Two people were killed and five others were injured Tuesday after a suspect opened gunfire near Virginia Commonwealth University following a high school graduation ceremony.
VCU police said the shooting occurred around 5:13 p.m. in the area of Monroe Park, near the campus’ Altria Theater after a recently-concluded graduation ceremony for Huguenot High School.
One of the victims killed was an 18-year-old male who had just graduated, and the other was a 36-year-old male, police said.
Their names were not released, but police believe the suspect knew at least one of the victims.
No further details were given about the victims’ ages or the identity of the suspects.
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Richmond Public Schools said Thomas Jefferson High School canceled a planned graduation ceremony planned for Tuesday evening. The ceremony will be rescheduled.
Richmond police are taking the lead in the investigation. (Fox News: WAVY)
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney called the shooting “traumatic” for everyone, especially the youth involved.
“Is nothing sacred any longer? We’re going to do everything we can to bring the individuals who are involved in this to justice. Not just for the families involved, but also the city,” Stoney said.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said his administration was monitoring the “terrible” shooting and that state law enforcement is providing support to the Richmond Police Department.