2 killed, 5 injured in shooting near Virginia theater holding graduation celebration

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT/Gray News) - A Virginia high school graduate and his father were killed, and five others were injured in a shooting following a graduation ceremony.

Police in Richmond were on the scene of a reported shooting incident outside Altria Theater. Richmond Public Schools confirmed a shooting happened outside the theater after Huguenot High School’s graduation ceremony in Monroe Park, according to WWBT.

In an alert to students Tuesday afternoon, Richmond Police and the VCU Police Department responded to the reported shooting and advised students to stay indoors.

Richmond Police said in a press conference around 5:15 p.m., officers were inside the theater running security when they reported hearing gunshots outside. Officers on traffic detail found “multiple victims.”

Acting Police Chief Rick Edwards says a total of seven people were shot.

WWBT reports two people, identified as an 18-year-old high school graduate and his 36-year-old father, died from their injuries in the shooting. A 31-year-old is suffering from life-threatening injuries.

Edwards confirmed four other males, ages 14, 42, 55 and 58, were injured but are expected to be OK.

Six other people sustained injuries unrelated to the gunfire: three people reported needing to be transported to the hospital for anxiety, two people were injured from falls, and a 9-year-old was hit by a car as they were running away from the area. That child is also expected to be OK.

Police arrested a 19-year-old man who they believe was involved in the shooting. The suspect is expected to be charged with two counts of second-degree murder with more potential charges. He is set to be arraigned Wednesday morning.

Police think the suspect knew at least one of the victims.

Police say there is currently no active threat to the community.

The school district says it has canceled all high school graduation ceremonies this week. It will share further updates soon about rescheduling commencement ceremonies.

All schools in the district will also be closed Wednesday out of “an abundance of caution,” according to a message sent to families.

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