Virginia graduation shooting – updates: Richmond school official recounts victim’s heartbreaking last moments
Seven people shot in 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
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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.”
Suspect in Tuesday shooting in custody
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
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
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
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
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
Nine-year-old child among those injured
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.
‘This should not be happening anywhere’ mayor of Richmond says
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
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.
