At least ‘five people have been critically injured’ and ‘two people taken into custody’ after a mass shooting at a Virginia high school graduation.
Local reports claim there were ’20 bangs’ heard causing ‘hundreds’ to reportedly run to take cover as police swarmed the Altria Theater in Richmond on Tuesday afternoon.
Images and video from the scene show multiple law enforcement officers inside and outside the theater as bystanders are warned to avoid the area.
It’s believed ‘kids were taking graduation photos’ as the shooter opened fire.
Multiple people have been allegedly shot at a high school graduation in Virginia with police warning the shooter is still active
It’s believed ‘kids were taking graduation photos’ as the shooter opened fire
School board member Jonathan Young told 8News that there were ‘multiple injuries’ at the Huguenot High School ceremony scheduled to start at 4pm.
He told CBS 6: ‘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… controlled chaos.’
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney released a statement on Twitter about the situation.
‘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,’ Stoney’s tweet reads.
Richmond Police tweeted: ‘RPD is on scene for a shooting located at Laurel Street and Franklin Street. Multiple injuries reported.
‘There is no immediate threat to the public. Briefing to follow. Avoid the area.’
Richmond Public Schools will be closed tomorrow following the shooting incident.
Three schools were scheduled to have graduation ceremonies at the Altria Theater on Tuesday when the alert by VCU went out at 5.15pm.
DailyMail.com has contacted Richmond Police, VCU and Huguenot High School for comment.
This is a developing story.
