At least 7 shot in Virginia graduation ceremony shooting

Three of the seven sustained life-threatening injuries.

Published: June 6, 2023 8:17pm

Seven individuals sustained gunshot wound during a mass shooting at a Virginia high school graduation ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.

Three of the seven sustained life-threatening injuries, the Daily Mail reported.

Bystanders reportedly heard "20 bangs" during the course of the incident, which took place at the Altria Theater in Richmond, where three schools were slated to hold their graduations that afternoon. Two individuals are in custody, though the number of assailants remains unclear.

School board member Jonathan Young told local outlet CBS 6 that "We immediately heard a series of probably 20 loud bangs in consecutive order. And that prompted of course a lot of persons, probably a few 100 persons to make a rush back inside the Altria." He described the scene as "controlled chaos."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin indicated that state law enforcement was working with local authorities to address the situation.

"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," he stated.

Public schools in Richmond will remain closed on Wednesday, CBS 6 confirmed.

 Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.

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