Virginia graduation shooting – updates: Richmond school official recounts victim’s heartbreaking last moments

Amari Pollard, the 19-year-old suspect in the gun attack on a high school graduation ceremony in Richmond, Virginia, was arraigned on Wednesday morning and charged with two counts of second-degree murder, according to the Richmond Police Department (RPD).

Seven people were shot in the incident on Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus on Tuesday afternoon, with Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather Lorenzo Smith, 36, dying of their injuries.

“I didn’t know Shawn, but I shook his hand and wished him congratulations about 20 minutes before he died,” Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras told CNN on Wednesday. “I can’t shake the image of him receiving CPR on the ground, still in his graduation gown.”

The outburst of gunfire caused a stampede as graduates and guests attempted to flee the vicinity, a moment of panic captured in at least one video subsequently posted to Facebook. The Richmond Police Department told The Independent in a statement that detectives have determined the shootings were not a random act but resulted from an ongoing dispute between Mr Pollard and Jackson.

“This should not be happening anywhere,” lamented city mayor Levar Stoney.

“Whether it’s in Richmond, it’s in Virginia, in the United States this should not be happening anywhere. A child should be able to go to their graduation and walk at their graduation and enjoy the accomplishment with their friends and their families.”

Key Points

• Two killed and five injured in Richmond high school graduation mass shooting

• Facebook video captures moment graduates flee burst of gunfire

• Victims killed are stepfather and son Lorenzo Smith and Shawn Jackson

• Shooting suspect Amari Pollard, 19, arraigned

‘We cannot continue to live in fear’

Wednesday 7 June 2023 06:15 , Namita Singh

The gun violence epidemic is a public health crisis that we must address, said Representative Jennifer McClellan, a Democrat whose district includes Richmond.

“We cannot continue to live in fear. We must address the root causes of gun violence and pass common sense gun safety policies that protect our communities.”

Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, an ardent gun-rights advocate, said in remarks to news outlets near the scene that the problem lies not with guns but with criminals.“We have to figure out what’s going on in our communities,” she said.

US witnesses 278th mass shooting this year

Wednesday 7 June 2023 06:30 , Joe Sommerlad

The US has grown grimly accustomed to mass shootings in public places such as schools, shopping centres and churches.

Richmond’s mass shooting was the country’s 278th in the first 157 days of 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, using the definition of when four or more people are shot or killed in a single incident, not including the shooter.

Two killed and five injured in Richmond high school graduation mass shooting

Wednesday 7 June 2023 07:06 , Namita Singh

Police in Richmond, Virginia, responded on Tuesday to a shooting that took place during a high school graduation ceremony on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Seven people were shot in the incident, leaving with three people life-threatening injuries and four with non-life-threatening injuries, Richmond interim police chief Rick Edwards said during a press conference on Tuesday. Two people were killed in the shooting, WRIC reports, and children were among those wounded in the incident, according to the outlet.

My colleague Josh Marcus has more:

‘Multiple’ victims shot at Virginia high school graduation as police hunt gunman

‘This should have been a safe space’

Wednesday 7 June 2023 07:30 , Namita Singh

Multiple handguns were recovered following the shooting outside a downtown theater in Richmond, Virginia, where a high school graduation ceremony had ended, reported the Associated Press.

“This should have been a safe space. People should have felt safe at a graduation,” said Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards.

“It’s just incredibly tragic that someone decided to bring a gun to this incident and rain terror on our community.”

Shooting at graduation ceremony is second at school-related event in Richmond

Wednesday 7 June 2023 08:00 , Namita Singh

Tuesday’s shooting outside a downtown theatre in Richmond, Virginia was the second to occur at a school-related event in the Virginia capital city.

Earlier in April, two students were injured following shooting at George Wythe High School.

Virginia has witnessed 58 school shootings since 1971, according to The Violence Project, reported Richmond Times Dispatch.

In video:

Wednesday 7 June 2023 08:30 , Namita Singh

School district cancels different graduation ‘out of an abundance of caution’

Wednesday 7 June 2023 09:00 , Namita Singh

The school district in Richmond canceled a different graduation scheduled for later on Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution” following the shooting at the graduation ceremony in Virginia.

The schools would be closed on Wednesday, it added.

Virginia lieutenant governor rebuked over response to tragedy

Wednesday 7 June 2023 09:45 , Joe Sommerlad

Winsome Sears, the state’s lieutenant governor, is facing criticism after appearing on TV in the immediate aftermath of yesterday’s tragedy to blame police and city leaders, despite being a passionate pro-gun advocate.

State senator Ghazala Hashmi has posted this picture of her posing with an assault rifle in response to the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, last May to underline the hypocrisy of her position.

Richmond attack the 278th mass shooting in first 157 days of 2023

Wednesday 7 June 2023 10:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Here are the latest mass shooting statistics from the Gun Violence Archive, which, it goes without saying, make for extremely bleak reading.

Facebook video captures moment graduates flee burst of gunfire

Wednesday 7 June 2023 11:15 , Joe Sommerlad

The moment gunfire erupted at yesterday’s ceremony, causing hundreds of students and guests to flee in panic, was caught on a video since uploaded to Facebook by one of the event’s attendees.

You can find the clip here should you wish to see it but, be warned, it is distressing.

Other footage of the panicked aftermath has also emerged, some of which you can see below.

Pictures from the scene

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:00 , Joe Sommerlad

This was what the Monroe Park campus looked like on Tuesday afternoon, as people struggled to come to terms with what had taken place on a day intended as a moment for celebration.

Victims named as father and son Renzo Smith and Shawn Jackson

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:34 , Joe Sommerlad

The victims of yesterday’s shooting in Virginia were graduating senior Shawn Jackson, 18, and his father Renzo Smith, 36, who had attended the ceremony as a guest, local media is reporting.

Community advocate Charles Willis, who manages the United Communities Against Crime group, released the victims' names and their photos on behalf of the grieving family.

“The family asked that the Richmond community keep them in your prayers,” Willis said.

‘Our hearts break for those whose lives were lost today’

Wednesday 7 June 2023 12:45 , Joe Sommerlad

Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin offered these reflections on the Richmond shooting on Twitter.

‘Every parent’s worst nightmare’

Wednesday 7 June 2023 13:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Virginia Democratic congresswoman Jennifer McClellan has offered her condolences to the families in the following statement.

Recap: Two killed and five injured in Richmond high school graduation mass shooting

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:15 , Joe Sommerlad

If you are just joining us, police in Richmond, Virginia, responded on Tuesday to a shooting that took place during a high school graduation ceremony on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Seven people were shot in the incident, leaving three people with life-threatening injuries and four with non-life-threatening injuries, Richmond interim police chief Rick Edwards said during a press conference yesterday evening.

Two people were killed in the shooting, WRIC reports, and children were among those wounded in the incident, according to the outlet.

My colleague Josh Marcus has more.

Two killed and five injured in Richmond high school graduation mass shooting

WATCH: Moment gunfire erupts after high school graduation ceremony

Wednesday 7 June 2023 14:30 , Ariana Baio

‘This is supposed to be a joyous day'

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Richmond schools superintendent Jason Kamras had this to say about yesterday’s events.

Father and son identified as victims killed in Richmond high school graduation shooting

Wednesday 7 June 2023 15:30 , Ariana Baio

Shawn Jackson, 18, and Renzo Smith, 36, were identified as the victims, Jackson’s mother and Smith’s wife, Tameek Jackson-Smith confirmed to NBC News.

Smith was attending his son’s graduation on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus Tuesday evening when the shooting occurred.

The gunfire erupted at Monroe Park, an open space on the campus, around 5.15pm local time.

Ariana Baio reports:

Father and son identified as victims killed in Richmond high school shooting

Richmond Public Schools high school graduations cancelled

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:00 , Ariana Baio

Richmond Public Schools posted a notice to their website, informing students, families and staff that school would be closed on Wednesday 7 June and high school graduations would be cancelled this week.

“RPS schools and offices are closed today, Wednesday, June 7. All high school graduations this week have also been canceled. RPS will share further updates soon about rescheduling commencement ceremonies,” Richmond Public Schools wrote.

They also extended their condolences to the victims and families of the shooting that left two people dead and five others injured and offered resources for people or children who need to speak with a counselor.

“Additionally, the RBHA Mobile Crisis Unit along with other partners will serve as a support to RPS families and staff. Mental Health Support and Counseling services will be available today from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Huguenot Community Center located at 7945 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond Va. 23225.”

279 mass shootings in the US this year

Wednesday 7 June 2023 16:30 , Ariana Baio

The US has experienced 279 mass shootings as of 7 June, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.

So what’s driving the record-breaking surge?

Josh Marcus reports:

What’s driving America’s record-breaking surge in mass shootings?

‘This should not be happening anywhere’ mayor of Richmond says

Wednesday 7 June 2023 17:00 , Ariana Baio

Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond, Virginia sent his condolences to members of the community affected by the shooting, including victims.

“Is nothing sacred any longer?” Mr Stoney said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“This should not be happening anywhere. Anywhere. Whether it’s in Richmond, it’s in Virginia, in the United States this should not be happening anywhere. A child should be able to go to their graduation and walk at their graduation and enjoy the accomplishment with their friends and their families.”

Mr Stoney added: “We’re going to do anything we can to the individuals who were involved in this to justice.”

He called the gun violence “selfish” and “senseless”.

Suspect in shooting arraigned

Wednesday 7 June 2023 17:30 , Ariana Baio

The suspect in the Richmond high school graduation school shooting has been identified and arraigned on two counts of second-degree murder.

19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard was arraigned on Wednesday (7 June) morning according to court records.

In a press conference on Tuesday, acting police chief Rick Edwards said authorities believe he: “knew at least one of the victims”.

Mr Pollard was detained by Virginia Commonwealth University security after trying to flee from the scene on foot, according to police.

As of Tuesday evening, K-9 units were searching for additional firearms or casings but Mr Edwards said police were not searching for additional suspects.

GoFundMe started for victims of shooting

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:00 , Ariana Baio

A GoFundMe has been started for the wife and mother of two victims who were shot and killed during the Richmond high school shooting.

Tameeka Jackson-Smith confirmed to NBC News that her husband, 36-year-old Renzo Smith, and her son, 18-year-old Shawn Jackson, were killed during the mass shooting.

In addition, Jackson’s nine-year-old sister was struck by a vehicle and injured as a result of the chaotic crowd that fled from the scene when the shooting began.

According to the GoFundMe, the nine-year-old is now “wheel chair bound.”

“This GoFundMe will serve as assistance for the unexpected expenses, grief counseling, medical bills and financial assistance for the family through this tragic time,” the description of the GoFundMe reads.

The GoFundMe is an official fundraiser, confirmed by a spokesperson for GoFundMe.

WATCH: Press conference featuring police chief, mayor and superintendent

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:30 , Ariana Baio

Victims killed are stepfather and son

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:00 , Ariana Baio

In a press conference on Wednesday, Richmond Police Department acting chief, Rick Edwards said that the family members killed during the mass shooting on Tuesday were stepfather and son, not father and son.

Mr Edwards identified 18-year-old Shawn Jackson and 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith as the two people shot during the shooting which took place after a high school graduation ceremony in Richmond, Virginia.

Anti-gun violence activists speak out after shooting

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:30 , Ariana Baio

Several anti-gun violence activists have tweeted in response to the Richmond high school graduation shooting, calling for gun control laws.

Fred Guttenberg, an activist who lost his 14-year-old daughter Jamie in the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, tweeted, “The truth is, this is the inevitable & predictable result of lies by the gun lobby and embraced by politicians who were supposed to protect us. “

“Our leaders can’t sit by while families are torn apart by gun violence,” Gun Down America tweeted.

Police ask public to submit tips, videos and photos

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio

Richmond Police Department’s interim police chief asked the public to submit any tips or photos they may have to the police department as they continued their investigation into the high school graduation shooting.

Suspect identified as 19-year-old in Richmond high school graduation shooting

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:30 , Ariana Baio

The suspect in the Richmond, Virginia high school graduation shooting has been identified as 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard.

Mr Pollard was arraigned on Wednesday (7 June) morning in Richmond General District Court on two counts of second-degree murder according to court records from the Office of the Sheriff of the City of Richmond.

Court records did not list an attorney for Mr Pollard but the teenager said he intends to hire one, according to the Associated Press.

He is currently being held without bond and further charges are still pending.

Ariana Baio reports:

Suspect identified as 19-year-old in Richmond high school graduation shooting

Police say suspect and victim had a ‘dispute’ and ‘exchanged words’ before shooting

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:00 , Ariana Baio

Richmond Police Department interim chief Rick Edwards said in a press conference on Wednesday that the suspect in the high school graduation shooting had a long-running dispute with one of the victims, 18-year-old Shawn Jackson.

“They knew each other, this was a dispute that we’re hearing took place over the course of over a year,” Mr Edwards said.

The suspect, 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard, had apparently attended the graduation before getting into an exchange with Jackson.

Mr Edwards said the two had an interaction in which “words were exchanged” that led to the violent attack.

“I wouldn’t say [Mr Pollard] was waiting for [Jackson]. I think there was an interaction and then it appears the suspect went to his car to retrieve the gun and return,” Mr Edwards said.

Richmond Police Department offer resources to those affected

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:34 , Ariana Baio

Photos depict heartbreaking scene

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio

Richmond Public Schools superintendent shares heartbreaking story

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:00 , Ariana Baio

Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras shared a heartbreaking story of his final interaction with 18-year-old recent graduate Shawn Jackson before he was shot and killed on Tuesday.

“I didn’t know Shawn, but I shook his hand and wished him congratulations about 20 minutes before he died,” Mr Kamras said in a press conference on Wednesday.

“I can’t shake the image of him receiving CPR on the ground, still in his graduation gown.”

Police tracing handgun used in shooting

Thursday 8 June 2023 00:00 , Ariana Baio

Rick Edwards, the interim chief of police for Richmond, said authorities would be conducting tracing on the handgun used in the shooting on Tuesday afternoon that killed two people and injured five others.

The handgun was allegedly used by the suspected shooter 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard.

However, due to Mr Pollard’s age, he would not have been able to purchase the firearm himself. Mr Edwards said they would be determining where it came from.

Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin reflects on the Richmond shooting

Thursday 8 June 2023 01:00 , Ariana Baio

“As we struggle to fully comprehend this tragedy, our hearts break for those whose lives were lost today. Tonight, we grieve together for their classmates, our neighbors, and the whole Richmond community,” Mr Youngkin wrote on Twitter.

ICYMI: A high school gathered to celebrate graduation. Then two people were killed

Thursday 8 June 2023 02:00 , Ariana Baio

ICYMI: Two people were killed and five others injured during a shooting after a high school graduation in Richmond, Virginia on Tuesday.

Ariana Baio reports:

Graduation day ruined by gunfire: What we know about the Richmond shooting

WATCH: Recap of horrific shooting

Thursday 8 June 2023 03:00 , Ariana Baio

Police ask public to submit tips, videos and photos

Thursday 8 June 2023 04:00 , Ariana Baio

Richmond Police Department’s interim police chief asked the public to submit any tips or photos they may have to the police department as they continued their investigation into the high school graduation shooting.

Photos and videos from the scene have been submitted to detectives by the public. Detectives ask anyone with images or videos from the scene to send them to the FBI website created to capture images in this investigation:https://fbi.gov/huguenotgraduation

People can also reach out to the Tip Line established in the Richmond Police Department for information: (804) 646-6741.

Suspect identified as 19-year-old in Richmond high school graduation shooting

Thursday 8 June 2023 05:00 , Ariana Baio

The suspect in the Richmond, Virginia high school graduation shooting has been identified as 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard.

Ariana Baio reports:

Suspect identified as 19-year-old in Richmond high school graduation shooting

‘This should not be happening anywhere’ mayor of Richmond says

Thursday 8 June 2023 06:00 , Ariana Baio

Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond, Virginia sent his condolences to members of the community affected by the shooting, including victims.

“Is nothing sacred any longer?” Mr Stoney said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“This should not be happening anywhere. Anywhere. Whether it’s in Richmond, it’s in Virginia, in the United States this should not be happening anywhere. A child should be able to go to their graduation and walk at their graduation and enjoy the accomplishment with their friends and their families.”

Suspect in shooting arraigned

Thursday 8 June 2023 07:00 , Ariana Baio

Amari Pollard, 19, of Henrico County, was arraigned on Wednesday morning and charged with two counts of second-degree murder, according to Richmond Police.

Mr Pollard is suspected of being connected to the Richmond high school graduation shooting where seven individuals were shot and two died.

The two deceased victims are 18-year-old Shawn Jackson and his stepfather 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith.

“Detectives have determined the shootings were not a random act but resulted from an ongoing dispute between Pollard and Jackson,” Richmond Police Department told said in a statement to The Independent.

Richmond Public Schools high school graduations cancelled

Thursday 8 June 2023 08:00 , Ariana Baio

Richmond Public Schools posted a notice to their website, informing students, families and staff that school would be closed on Wednesday 7 June and high school graduations would be cancelled this week.

“RPS schools and offices are closed today, Wednesday, June 7. All high school graduations this week have also been canceled. RPS will share further updates soon about rescheduling commencement ceremonies,” Richmond Public Schools wrote.

They also extended their condolences to the victims and families of the shooting that left two people dead and five others injured and offered resources for people or children who need to speak with a counselor.

“Additionally, the RBHA Mobile Crisis Unit along with other partners will serve as a support to RPS families and staff. Mental Health Support and Counseling services will be available today from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Huguenot Community Center”.

Over $20,000 raised for victims' family via GoFundMe

Thursday 8 June 2023 09:00 , Ariana Baio

More than $20,000 have been raised for the family of the victims of the Richmond high school graduation shooting.

Tameeka Jackson-Smith is the wife of 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith and the mother of 18-year-old Shawn Jackson. Both Smith and Jackson were killed during the mass shooting.

A GoFundMe was started to benefit her and the nine-year-old sister of Jackson, who suffered injuries after being struck by a vehicle during the shooting.

“This GoFundMe will serve as assistance for the unexpected expenses, grief counseling, medical bills and financial assistance for the family through this tragic time,” the description of the GoFundMe reads.

The GoFundMe is an official fundraiser, confirmed by a spokesperson for GoFundMe.

WATCH: Latest press conference

Thursday 8 June 2023 10:00 , Ariana Baio

Step father and son identified as victims killed in Richmond high school graduation shooting

Thursday 8 June 2023 11:00 , Ariana Baio

A high school graduate and his step-father were shot and killed on Tuesday during a shooting that took place after Huguenot High School’s graduation ceremony in Richmond, Virginia.

Shawn Jackson, 18, and Lorenzo Smith, 36, were identified as the two victims killed.

Ariana Baio reports:

Step father and son identified as victims killed in Richmond high school shooting

Facebook video captures moment graduates flee burst of gunfire

Thursday 8 June 2023 12:00 , Ariana Baio

The moment gunfire erupted at yesterday’s ceremony, causing hundreds of students and guests to flee in panic, was caught on a video and uploaded to Facebook by one of the event’s attendees.

You can find the clip here should you wish to see it but, be warned, it is distressing.

Police say suspect and victim knew each other and had been disputing

Thursday 8 June 2023 13:00 , Ariana Baio

Richmond Police Department interim chief Rick Edwards said in a press conference on Wednesday that the suspect in the high school graduation shooting had a long-running dispute with one of the victims, 18-year-old Shawn Jackson.

“They knew each other, this was a dispute that we’re hearing took place over the course of over a year,” Mr Edwards said.

The suspect, 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard, had apparently attended the graduation before getting into an exchange with Jackson.

Mr Edwards said the two had an interaction in which “words were exchanged” that led to the violent attack.

“I wouldn’t say [Mr Pollard] was waiting for [Jackson]. I think there was an interaction and then it appears the suspect went to his car to retrieve the gun and return,” Mr Edwards said.

279 mass shootings in the US this year

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:00 , Ariana Baio

The US has experienced 279 mass shootings as of 7 June, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.

So what’s driving the record-breaking surge?

Josh Marcus reports:

Who are the two fatal victims?

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:26 , Andrea Blanco

Seven people were shot in the incident on Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus on Tuesday afternoon, with Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather Lorenzo Smith, 36, dying of their injuries.

The violence broke out following an argument between Jackson and the suspect, 19-year-old Amari Pollard.

Over $20,000 raised for victims’ family via GoFundMe

Thursday 8 June 2023 15:14 , Andrea Blanco

More than $20,000 have been raised for the family of the victims of the Richmond high school graduation shooting.

Tameeka Jackson-Smith is the wife of 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith and the mother of 18-year-old Shawn Jackson. Both Smith and Jackson were killed during the mass shooting.

A GoFundMe was started to benefit her and the nine-year-old sister of Jackson, who suffered injuries after being struck by a vehicle during the shooting.

“This GoFundMe will serve as assistance for the unexpected expenses, grief counseling, medical bills and financial assistance for the family through this tragic time,” the description of the GoFundMe reads.

The GoFundMe is an official fundraiser, confirmed by a spokesperson for GoFundMe.

Alleged teen shooter is in custody

Thursday 8 June 2023 16:11 , Andrea Blanco

Amari Pollard, 19, of Henrico County, was arraigned on Wednesday morning and charged with two counts of second-degree murder, according to Richmond Police.

Mr Pollard is suspected of being connected to the Richmond high school graduation shooting where seven individuals were shot and two died.

The two deceased victims are 18-year-old Shawn Jackson and his stepfather 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith.

“Detectives have determined the shootings were not a random act but resulted from an ongoing dispute between Pollard and Jackson,” Richmond Police Department told said in a statement to The Independent.

Graduations cancelled at Richmond Public Schools following deadly shooting

Thursday 8 June 2023 17:21 , Andrea Blanco

Richmond Public Schools posted a notice to their website, informing students, families and staff that school would be closed on Wednesday 7 June and high school graduations would be cancelled this week.

“RPS schools and offices are closed today, Wednesday, June 7. All high school graduations this week have also been canceled. RPS will share further updates soon about rescheduling commencement ceremonies,” Richmond Public Schools wrote.

They also extended their condolences to the victims and families of the shooting that left two people dead and five others injured and offered resources for people or children who need to speak with a counselor.

“Additionally, the RBHA Mobile Crisis Unit along with other partners will serve as a support to RPS families and staff. Mental Health Support and Counseling services will be available today from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Huguenot Community Center”.

Richmond Public Schools Superintendent opens up about tragedy

Thursday 8 June 2023 18:19 , Andrea Blanco

Seven people were shot in the incident on Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus on Tuesday afternoon, with Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather Lorenzo Smith, 36, dying of their injuries.

“I didn’t know Shawn, but I shook his hand and wished him congratulations about 20 minutes before he died,” Jason Kamras told CNN on Wednesday.

“I can’t shake the image of him receiving CPR on the ground, still in his graduation gown.”

Police tracing handgun used in shooting

Thursday 8 June 2023 19:18 , Andrea Blanco

Rick Edwards, the interim chief of police for Richmond, said authorities would be conducting tracing on the handgun used in the shooting on Tuesday afternoon that killed two people and injured five others.

The handgun was allegedly used by the suspected shooter 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard.

However, due to Mr Pollard’s age, he would not have been able to purchase the firearm himself. Mr Edwards said they would be determining where it came from.

Nine-year-old child among those injured

Thursday 8 June 2023 20:14 , Andrea Blanco

A nine-year-old child who is related to the two fatal victims is among those injured during the Tuesday shooting, CBS reports.

She is recovering at hospital and is expected to survive.

WATCH: 7 shot, at least 2 dead at high school graduation in Richmond

Thursday 8 June 2023 20:44 , Andrea Blanco

A high school gathered to celebrate graduation. Then two people were killed in America’s latest mass shooting

Thursday 8 June 2023 21:28 , Andrea Blanco

Two people were killed and five others injured during a shooting after a high school graduation in Richmond, Virginia on Tuesday.

The Independent’s Ariana Baio reports:

Graduation day ruined by gunfire: What we know about the Richmond shooting

Police say suspect and victim knew each other and had been disputing

Thursday 8 June 2023 22:34 , Andrea Blanco

Richmond Police Department interim chief Rick Edwards said in a press conference on Wednesday that the suspect in the high school graduation shooting had a long-running dispute with one of the victims, 18-year-old Shawn Jackson.

“They knew each other, this was a dispute that we’re hearing took place over the course of over a year,” Mr Edwards said.

The suspect, 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard, had apparently attended the graduation before getting into an exchange with Jackson.

Mr Edwards said the two had an interaction in which “words were exchanged” that led to the violent attack.

“I wouldn’t say [Mr Pollard] was waiting for [Jackson]. I think there was an interaction and then it appears the suspect went to his car to retrieve the gun and return,” Mr Edwards said.

Five injured, two dead in Richmond, Virginia, gun attack

Friday 9 June 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Five people were shot and two were killed when gunfire rang out Tuesday outside a downtown theater where a high school graduation ceremony had recently concluded, causing attendees to flee in panic, weep and clutch their children, authorities and witnesses reported.

Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said at a news conference announced an arrest. Amari Pollard, the 19-year-old suspect in the gun attack, was arraigned on Wednesday morning and charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

Officers inside the theater heard gunfire around 5:15 p.m. and radioed to police stationed outside, who found multiple victims, Edwards said.

Witness recounts terror as elderly tried to flee violence

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

Edythe Payne was helping her daughter sell flowers outside the theater to students as they left the ceremony.

She told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the shooting caused a panic on nearby 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,” Payne said.

The school district said a different graduation scheduled for later Tuesday had been canceled “out of an abundance of caution” and that schools would be closed Wednesday.

Step father and son identified as victims killed in Richmond high school graduation shooting

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Shawn Jackson, 18, and Lorenzo Smith, 36, were killed during a shooting after a high school graduation in Virginia.

The Independent’s Ariana Baio reports:

Step father and son identified as victims killed in Richmond high school shooting

Suspect in Tuesday shooting in custody

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Following the shooting, police took two suspects into custody, one of which police believe was not involved in the shooting and the other is a 19-year-old who police believe was involved.

The teenager has been identified as Amari Ty’Jon Pollard and was arraigned on Wednesday morning on two counts of second-degree murder according to court records from the Office of the Sheriff of the City of Richmond.

He is being held without bond with more potential charges to follow.

Police say suspect and victim knew each other and had been disputing

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

Richmond Police Department interim chief Rick Edwards said in a press conference on Wednesday that the suspect in the high school graduation shooting had a long-running dispute with one of the victims, 18-year-old Shawn Jackson.

“They knew each other, this was a dispute that we’re hearing took place over the course of over a year,” Mr Edwards said.

The suspect, 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard, had apparently attended the graduation before getting into an exchange with Jackson.

Mr Edwards said the two had an interaction in which “words were exchanged” that led to the violent attack.

“I wouldn’t say [Mr Pollard] was waiting for [Jackson]. I think there was an interaction and then it appears the suspect went to his car to retrieve the gun and return,” Mr Edwards said.

Over $20,000 raised for victims’ family via GoFundMe

05:00 , Andrea Blanco

More than $20,000 have been raised for the family of the victims of the Richmond high school graduation shooting.

Tameeka Jackson-Smith is the wife of 36-year-old Lorenzo Smith and the mother of 18-year-old Shawn Jackson. Both Smith and Jackson were killed during the mass shooting.

A GoFundMe was started to benefit her and the nine-year-old sister of Jackson, who suffered injuries after being struck by a vehicle during the shooting.

“This GoFundMe will serve as assistance for the unexpected expenses, grief counseling, medical bills and financial assistance for the family through this tragic time,” the description of the GoFundMe reads.

The GoFundMe is an official fundraiser, confirmed by a spokesperson for GoFundMe.

Police tracing handgun used in shooting

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

Rick Edwards, the interim chief of police for Richmond, said authorities would be conducting tracing on the handgun used in the shooting on Tuesday afternoon that killed two people and injured five others.

The handgun was allegedly used by the suspected shooter 19-year-old Amari Ty’Jon Pollard.

However, due to Mr Pollard’s age, he would not have been able to purchase the firearm himself. Mr Edwards said they would be determining where it came from

Graduations cancelled after gun attack

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

Richmond Public Schools posted a notice to their website, informing students, families and staff that school would be closed on Wednesday 7 June and high school graduations would be cancelled this week.

“RPS schools and offices are closed today, Wednesday, June 7. All high school graduations this week have also been canceled. RPS will share further updates soon about rescheduling commencement ceremonies,” Richmond Public Schools wrote.

They also extended their condolences to the victims and families of the shooting that left two people dead and five others injured and offered resources for people or children who need to speak with a counselor.

“Additionally, the RBHA Mobile Crisis Unit along with other partners will serve as a support to RPS families and staff. Mental Health Support and Counseling services will be available today from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Huguenot Community Center”.

WATCH: 7 shot, at least 2 dead at high school graduation in Richmond

08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Nine-year-old child among those injured

09:00 , Andrea Blanco

A nine-year-old child who is related to the two fatal victims is among those injured during the Tuesday shooting, CBS reports.

She is recovering at hospital and is expected to survive.

Richmond Police Department offer resources to those affected

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

‘This should not be happening anywhere’ mayor of Richmond says

11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond, Virginia sent his condolences to members of the community affected by the shooting, including victims.

“Is nothing sacred any longer?” Mr Stoney said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“This should not be happening anywhere. Anywhere. Whether it’s in Richmond, it’s in Virginia, in the United States this should not be happening anywhere. A child should be able to go to their graduation and walk at their graduation and enjoy the accomplishment with their friends and their families.”

High school graduate and stepfather killed in shooting

12:00 , Andrea Blanco

Shawn Jackson, 18, and Lorenzo Smith, 36, were identified as the two victims killed, Jackson’s mother and Smith’s wife Tameek Jackson-Smith confirmed to NBC News.

Smith was attending his son’s graduation on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus Tuesday evening when the shooting occurred. The gunfire erupted at Monroe Park, an open space on the campus, at around 5.15pm local time.

Five other victims, all male and ranging in age from 14 to 58, were injured, Richmond’s interim police chief Rick Edwards said at a press conference.

A high school gathered to celebrate graduation. Then two people were killed in America’s latest mass shooting

13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Two people were killed and five others injured during a shooting after a high school graduation in Richmond, Virginia on Tuesday.

The Independent’s Ariana Baio reports:

Graduation day ruined by gunfire: What we know about the Richmond shooting

IN PICTURES: Heartbreaking scene following terror

14:00 , Andrea Blanco