Virginia school shooting: Two dead and five injured after shooting at graduation ceremony
Rachel Schilke
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Two people are dead and five are injured after a mass shooting occurred outside a high school graduation ceremony in Richmond, Virginia.
The seven victims were shot at Monroe Park, across from the Altria Theater on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, around 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The victims and others were attending a graduation ceremony for Huguenot High School, part of the Richmond Public Schools district, that had commenced at 4 p.m.
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A 31-year-old victim had life-threatening injuries as of Tuesday night, police said. Four males, ages 14, 32, 55, and 58, have non-life-threatening injuries.
While police have not publicly identified the deceased victims, community advocate Charles Willis identified the victims on behalf of the family as 18-year-old Shawn Jackson and Renzo Smith, his 36-year-old stepfather, according to WTVR CBS 6.
“The family asked that the Richmond community keep them in your prayers,” Willis said.
Richmond Police Department acting Chief Rick Edwards said at a Tuesday news conference that the 18-year-old deceased victim, whom Willis identified as Jackson, had participated in the graduation ceremony just before he was shot and killed.
“I’d like to just express my concerns and sympathy for those who have lost their lives today and those whose lives were forever changed,” Edwards said. “We prepare for an event like this, and we prepared for it with our partners and hoped that this day wouldn’t come, but it came to Richmond today.”
Police also confirmed that a 9-year-old was struck by a car during the incident and was taken to the hospital. The child is expected to survive, Edwards said.
All further graduation ceremonies for Richmond Public Schools have been canceled and will be rescheduled. All district schools are closed on Wednesday.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney spoke at the news conference on Wednesday, offering prayers and condolences to the victims’ family, calling the shooting “senseless,” tragic, and traumatic.
“A day that should have been a moment of joy and celebration with friends and family was taken away in seconds, and lives changed forever,” Stoney said.
“Children were involved here. … This is their graduation day,” Stoney continued. “The question that comes to my mind right now is, ‘Is nothing sacred any longer? Is nothing sacred any longer?'”
Superintendent Jason Kamras, wearing a black graduation robe, spoke at the news conference on Tuesday, expressing his frustration with the increase in gun crime.
“This is supposed to be a joyous day when our kids walk the stage and get their diploma,” he said, noting how the graduates walked “out the doors into their families’ and friends’ arms, taking pictures. And then this tragedy occurred.”
“I’m tired of seeing people get shot, our kids get shot, and I beg of the entire community to stop, to just stop,” Kamras continued. “Our kids can’t take it. Our teachers can’t take it. Our families can’t take it anymore. I beg of you to stop.”
Edwards said suspect Amari Pollard, 19, is in custody being held without bond and is facing two second-degree murder charges. The suspect had multiple weapons on him when he was apprehended by officers, Edwards said, and four firearms were recovered.
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Pollard appeared in a Richmond courtroom for his arraignment Wednesday morning.
“We think the suspect knew at least one of the victims,” Edwards said.