7 hurt in shooting after Richmond, VA, graduation ceremony

This is a developing story from The Times-Dispatch newsroom.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears on Tuesday addressed the media and appeared to hold Richmond leaders accountable for stopping the violence following a shooting following the Huguenot High School graduation ceremonies.

Democrats pushed back on Twitter, noting that Earle-Sears, a U.S. Marines veteran, had toted an assault-style rifle in an image she used in her 2021 campaign.

"The people that I represent are not safe – they’re not safe in this city, and we have to figure out why that is," Earle-Sears said Wednesday near the Altria Theater. "This is not about law-abiding gun owners, this is about gangs," she said.

"When do we say enough is enough?" Earle-Sears said.

Disappointed and saddened by these comments made in the immediate aftermath of the Richmond tragedy, even before the victims' names were released.

"How many more people have to die before we say ‘you’re going to jail? We’re going to lock you up and there's not going to be any bail so we can have safety in our community.’"

"Who is in charge – is that the mayor, is that the chief, who is that? I mean, let's start naming names," she said.

House Minority Leader Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, tweeted in response: "This gaslighting and political pandering by a LT. GOVERNOR who LITERALLY campaigned holding a picture of an assault rifle is lecturing others on preventing gun violence. She runs out to the scene with no empathy for the victims just thinking of how to appeal to MAGA," Scott said, referring to former President Donald Trump's slogan of "Make America Great Again."

7:29 p.m.:

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney during a press conference Tuesday started by offering prayers for the families involved — from the victims’ families to "the children" who expected to celebrate a joyous graduation. Seven people were wounded in a shooting following Huguenot High School graduation ceremonies, police said.

"This is tragic, but also traumatic because this is their graduation," Stoney said. "The question that comes to mind right now is: Is nothing sacred any longer?"

Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras somberly pleaded for an end to the violence.

"This is supposed to be a joyous day when our kids walk the stage and get their diploma, which is what they all did here for Huguenot today."

Mayor Levar Stoney gives a press conference nearby the site of a shooting that happened at the Huguenot graduation on June 6, 2023, in Richmond, Va. MARGO WAGNER/TIMES DISPATCH

They "walked out the doors into their families’ and friends’ arms, taking pictures - and then this tragedy occurred," Kamras said.

"I don't have any more words on this.

"I’m just tired of seeing people get shot, our kids get shot, and I beg of the entire community to stop - to just stop."

Kamras said the students can't take it, "the teachers can't take it, our families can't take it anymore."

In September, a 17-year-old Huguenot High School student was wounded while walking to his bus stop on McDowell Road.

Maintaining communication with the Mayor's office related to the shooting at Monroe Park as they’re working alongside RPD and RPS. Please be on the lookout for information as they make it available. Until further notice please avoid the area.

7:27 p.m.

Seven people were wounded in a shooting outside the Altria Theater on Tuesday afternoon, Richmond Interim Chief of Police Rick Edwards said during a press conference. Three of the wounds were considered life-threatening, he said.

"At this point we have taken two subjects into custody. At this point we do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community," he said.

Edwards said officers who were inside the theater heard gunshots.

Mayor Levar Stoney said: "I want to begin by providing prayers for families involved here not just to those that may have been victims but to those children, children involved at a graduation so words that come to mind is that this is tragic but also traumatic because this is their graduation event."

Gov. Glenn Youngkin in a Twitter message said: "My administration continues monitoring the terrible shooting in the heart of Richmond tonight. State law enforcement are fully supporting the Richmond Police Department as this investigation moves forward."

A press conference is planned at 9 p.m.

7:03 p.m.

My administration continues monitoring the terrible shooting in the heart of Richmond tonight. State law enforcement are fully supporting the Richmond Police Department as this investigation moves forward.

All Richmond public school classes are canceled Wednesday following a shooting in Monroe Park following the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony.

"We apologize to all families and students for any inconvenience," Richmond schools said in a statement.

The school system said counselors are available. Family members can call the ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline at (804) 305-2420 or the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority at (804) 819-4100.

The Richmond Police Department on Twitter said multiple injuries are reported at Laurel Street and Franklin Street.

HCPS is keeping RPS families and staff in our thoughts & prayers following today's tragic event. Earlier social media posts referencing traffic were meant as a logistical update for guests making their way to the Siegel Center and were not intended to diminish the situation. pic.twitter.com/DydPxdEnBi

R. Andrew Chestnut, a professor and Bishop Walter Sullivan chair of Catholic Studies at VCU, tweeted at 5:30: "Vibes and prayers for my wife who is hiding in a bathroom because shots fired at her high school graduation!"

He said in a follow-up Tweet: "She's safe now, bu 1 students dead and 2 injured. #Gun Control

Our earlier story ...

There is a heavy police presence at Monroe Park in Richmond after a reported shooting at Altria Theater where high schools were holding graduation ceremonies.

Witnesses at the scene said that a gunman opened fire while as Huguenot High School was ending its ceremony and Thomas Jefferson was ushering into the event space.

Richmond Police are reporting multiple injuries with no immediate threat to the public. At least four ambulances have left the area around N. Laurel Street.

Officials reacted Tuesday to a shooting in Richmond following a high school graduation ceremony:

Monroe Park has been largely tapped off with police vehicles lining two sides of the park.

Edythe Payne of Richmond, was helping her daughter Naomi Wade sell flowers outside of the theatre for students as they left the graduation ceremony.

"This was very bad and I think the fact that someone thought that they could do this was bad," Payne said.

Payne said one man came over to their table and said that his friend had been shot in the chest during the incident. She also overheard a girl in the phone saying that someone had been shot in the back.

She said the shooting caused a panic on Main Street which was packed with people at the time.

"I felt bad because some elderly people were at the graduation and they got knocked down to the ground," Paybe said. "nobody is expecting to deal with that."

Police are hosting are set to host a press conference soon.

Currently monitoring the situation at Monroe Park. In touch with RPD and RPS. Will make information available as it comes in. Please avoid the area.

Our earlier story ...

Virginia Commonwealth University has issued an alert for a shooting near the Altria Theater and Monroe Park.

"There is no ongoing threat to the community but there is a heavy police presence at Monroe Park. Richmond Police are leading the investigation," an alert sent Thursday afternoon said.

Graduation ceremonies for Richmond Community, Huguenot and Thomas Jefferson high schools were planned at the theater Tuesday.

The school at 5:30 p.m. said people stay indoors.

Mayor Levar Stoney in a tweet at 6:11 p.m. said: "Currently monitoring the situation at Monroe Park. In touch with RPD and RPS. Will make information available as it comes in. Please avoid the area."

In October 1951, workers constructed a section of Forest Hill Avenue in South Richmond. The segment sits between Westover Hills Boulevard and Prince Arthur Road.

In December 1990, a Richmond Ballet dancer stretched before rehearsal of "The Nutcracker."

In February 1953, Richmond Department of Utilities workers used a 65-foot hook-and-ladder firetruck to install new lights on Broad Street after attempts to secure other ladder equipment from private companies had failed.

In May 1954, Scoop sniffed around the pet food aisle at a grocery store in Richmond's West End. The store offered a large selection of pet foods, a relatively new concept for the era. The accompanying article said: "Gone, apparently, are the days that Fido took the scraps from the table and liked them."

In September 1942, members of Richmond Hotels Inc. donated typewriters to the War Production Board and the Office of War Information in response to an appeal for businesses to let the government have any machines they could spare.

In August 1981, children enjoyed outdoor recreation at Camp Happyland in the Richardsville area of Culpeper County, not far from Fredericksburg. The Salvation Army started the camp in the late 1950s to improve children's health through exercise and proper nutrition.

In March 1971, a crowd estimated at several hundred waited outside City Council chambers at City Hall in downtown Richmond. Residents of the recently annexed Broad Rock area were protesting the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority's proposal for low-rent public housing in the area.

In March 1969, a sign went up to mark the site of Henrico County's first permanent designated library, on Laburnum Avenue near New Market Road. On hand were (from left) Varina District Supervisor Edwin Ragsdale, library board trustee Mrs. F.M. Vaughan, library assistant Virginia Liles and county libraries director David Rowland. The library opened in December 1970.

In June 1969, a Trappist monk at the Holy Cross Abbey near Berryville in Clarke County began his daily meditation. The monks spent their days balancing quiet prayer, spiritual reading and manual labor.

In June 1956, the Rev. Lawrence V. Bradley Jr. of Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond and his secretary, Jean Bolton, got out the summertime heat beater: a simple cardboard fan. The pews were liberally stocked during the warm months because the church had no air conditioning.

In July 1959, the normally bustling downtown Richmond business district, including this stretch along Eighth and Main streets, was much quieter as motorists stayed home because of triple-digit heat.

In April 1966, Union Bag-Camp Paper Corp. officials oversaw manufacturing at a new plant in Chesterfield County. The facility produced millions of bags for supermarket chains and other clients on the East Coast. At the time, about 265 employees worked in two local company plants; the old factory at 13th and Canal streets in Richmond was open for limited operation until it was sold.

In March 1969, a sign went up to mark the site of Henrico County's first permanent designated library, on Laburnum Avenue near New Market Road. The branch opened in December 1970. Posing with the sign were (from left) Varina District Supervisor Edwin Ragsdale, library board trustee Mrs. F.M. Vaughan, library assistant Virginia Liles and county libraries director David Rowland.

In August 1982, David Tidwell of Croaker posed with his girlfriend's dog, Blazing Amber of Cinder, at the humorous "Norge Dog Station" at Norge Grocery on U.S. Route 60 west of Williamsburg. The sign had been put up seven years earlier, and the spot became a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

In March 1987, in preparation for new carpeting, the Dumbarton branch library in Henrico County had to remove about 80,000 books from shelves. About 50 people handled the first phase overnight — but restocking the shelves awaited.

This 1957 photo shows Collegiate School in the 1600 block of Monument Avenue in Richmond. The Town School elementary building was on the left and the high school on the right. In 1960, the Town School and the Country Day School merged, operating on the campus off River and Mooreland roads in Henrico County. It remains the location today.

In November 1970, a Richmond officer rode his horse by the police bureau's new stables, which were under construction. The facility near Brook Road and Chamberlayne Avenue included eight stalls, a scrub area, a horseshoeing area and a tack room. The bureau had been looking for an established home for its horses since the mid-1960s, when the Virginia National Guard moved from the Richmond Howitzers downtown armory, where the horses had been stabled for two decades.

In November 1948, Army Lt. Charles D. Smith Jr. administered the oath to the first set of postwar draftees processed at the Richmond induction station at First and Broad streets. Several of the men were immediately sent to Camp Pickett in Blackstone.

In December 1938, Richmond Glass Shop had a new home at 814 W. Broad St., site of the old Ashland Railway Station. The shop, run by brothers Frank R. and A.G. Bialkowski, had glass of many types, and offered bath and kitchen installation, storefront construction and paint products.

In March 1979, corrections officer Howard Alexander held the homemade rope used by convicted murderer Michael Irwin Cross to escape from the State Penitentiary, then located along Spring Street in downtown Richmond. Cross was captured two months later after attempting to free a fellow convict who was being treated at Medical College of Virginia Hospital.

In June 1986, "Mr. Newspaper" greeted a young girl and her mother at a Richmond-area mall. The RTD mascot often traveled around town promoting the newspaper.

In July 1951, Alonzo Moore, 74, walked down a street in Cape Charles on Virginia's Eastern Shore and blew his horn, alerting locals to his sale of the fresh catch of the day.

In July 1960, the Schellenberg family of Highland Springs prepared to have a bomb shelter installed in their yard, one of Virginia's first privately owned radiation fallout shelters. The enclosure was designed to accommodate up to six people during a nuclear attack. The horizontal steel tank (rear) was 7 feet in diameter and 16 feet long. Once installed, the only elements aboveground would be a domed entrance and air filter and exhaust pipes.

In June 1979, Terry Woo set bricks for a walkway as construction of Kanawha Plaza in downtown Richmond continued. The $4 million dollar city-financed plaza linked the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond building and the Virginia Electric and Power Co. building.

In July 1951, two women enjoyed the white sand beach of Cape Charles on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

In June 1968, workers welded boilers at Old Dominion Iron and Steel Corp., located on Belle Isle under the Lee Bridge in Richmond. At the time, Old Dominion's owner was interested in expanding operations, and the city was interested in using the island as part of a James River park. The company's history on Belle Isle spanned from before the Civil War to the 1970s.

In November 1972, after the remnants of Hurricane Agnes had washed out a bridge, a barge carried vehicles and workers across the James River from Tredegar Street toward Belle Isle in Richmond. A day earlier, a welder for Old Dominion Iron and Steel Corp. drowned after a boat carrying him and others capsized on the same route.

This December 1973 photo shows the front counter in Roaring Twenties, a new restaurant and nightclub on state Route 10 in the Hopewell area. It was designed to resemble a 1920s speakeasy, with features including an antique cash register, a diving girl and even a dining table from Al Capone's Florida home.

In October 1969, cadets at John Marshall High School in Richmond posed with their ribbon-bedecked sponsors after an awards ceremony. The school's Corps of Cadets was established in 1915 — it was the first military training program in a public school in Virginia — and disbanded in 1971.

In May 1989, a transformer exploded under the sidewalk on the Fourth Street side of the Richmond Newspapers Inc. building downtown. The ensuing fireball charred two cars parked on the street and sent flames up the side of the building. No one was hurt in the nighttime explosion, and delivery of the next morning's Richmond Times-Dispatch (which was printed in the building) was only slightly delayed.

In August 1972, motorists approaching construction on Interstate 64 south of Bryan Park in Richmond were greeted by a robot signalman waving a bright red flag. "Silent Sam," as the decoy was nicknamed, was used by the state Department of Highways to slow drivers as they neared workmen building an I-195 interchange and bridge near the Acca rail yards.

Anna Bryson (804) 649-6922

[email protected]

@AnnaBryson18 on Twitter

An investigation is underway after Richmond police found an adult male dead in South Richmond early Monday morning.

Gary Levine had always admired the sandwich boards often stationed outside small cafes and restaurants, heralding the ever-changing daily spec…

Mayor Levar Stoney and various LGBTQ+ organizations gathered at City Hall to officially proclaim June as Pride month in Richmond.