Crime
Two killed, five wounded in shooting at Monroe Park following Huguenot High School graduation
From Richmond Police:
[Tuesday], at approximately 5:13 p.m., Officers of the Richmond Police Department working off duty at the Huguenot High School graduation responded when gunfire was heard in Monroe Park at North Laurel and West Main Streets. Multiple RPD units responded with VCU Police to assist on scene. Officers located five individuals who had suffered gunshot wounds. They were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. A short time later, two additional victims arrived at an area hospital; they were self-transported.
Two adult males, ages 18 and 36, succumbed to their injuries.
One sustained a life-threatening injury, and four sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Other injuries include:
One juvenile was struck by a vehicle, was treated on scene, and later transported to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.
Two individuals were treated for falls.
Nine individuals were treated for anxiety and minor injuries at the scene.
Two individuals were quickly taken into custody by VCU Police. After consultation with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, one of the individuals detained will be charged with 2nd Degree murder (x2).
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact RPD Major Crimes Detective J. Crewell at (804) 646-5324 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
Information is fluid at this time as the investigation evolves.
Statement from Richmond City Council:
“This evening, Richmonders are once again devastated by senseless gun violence. At a graduation ceremony, a tradition rooted in honoring a milestone achievement, has been marred by an act that has taken lives and left many others injured.
Those who were able to survive without visible wounds will likely be forever impacted by this violent event.
The thoughts and prayers of all members of Richmond Council and all Richmonders are with the students, parents, families, teachers, friends, and loved ones of those whose lives were taken from us and were injured tonight in this terrible tragedy.
During this difficult time, we know that each person will draw on their personal strength and the strength and faith of their friends and community. We join tonight as one family, one community, and one Richmond.
As a family in Richmond, we lend and extend our friendship and hearts to our Richmond family during this difficult and challenging time.
We don’t yet have all the answers to this senseless act of violence, only that it should never have happened and that is has no place in our society.
Richmond City Council also wants to recognize our first responders who act every day to save lives and restore order and put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our community.
We ask that everyone join us in keeping all the families in their hearts, thoughts and prayers and ask that all Richmonders observe a moment of silence tonight in support, respect, and condolence to all those impacted by this unspeakable event.
Richmond City Council does do not condone or stand for senseless acts of gun violence. Richmond is a resilient and strong community. While our hearts are heavy for the loss, the unanswered questions as to why linger. We will heal and we will grow stronger.
For those who wish to engage with caring mental health professionals, Richmond offers the following services:
- Lifeline – Call or Text 988 or Chat 988lifeline.org
- Mental Health America – Text MHA to 741741
- Warmline of Virginia – 866.400.6428
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 877.622.4327
Thinking of everyone in our City tonight. We will heal, we will recover.
We will continue to keep our community updated as we learn more.
— Mayor Levar M. Stoney (@LevarStoney) June 7, 2023
This is heartbreaking. My staff & I are closely monitoring this situation. Praying for the safety of everyone involved.
I encourage everyone who can to avoid the area. https://t.co/kqofnDMAuq
— Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (@RepMcClellan) June 6, 2023
All RPS schools & offices will be closed tomorrow, June 7. All high school graduations have also been canceled. Further updates regarding rescheduling will be shared soon. pic.twitter.com/AAFum2TdcB
— Richmond Public Schools (@RPS_Schools) June 7, 2023