US: Police continuing response to shooting incident that left at least two people dead and several wounded in central Richmond, Va., June 6 /update 2

Event

Police are continuing their response to a shooting incident that occurred in the area of the Altria Theater and Monroe Park in Richmond, Virginia, as of 19:30 June 6. The incident began at about 17:00 as participants in a high school graduation ceremony were exiting the venue. Various local sources have released conflicting reports concerning the number of casualties, with most claiming there were at least two fatalities while estimates of the number of wounded vary between five and 13 people. Police have reportedly apprehended the perpetrators; shortly after 18:00, Virginia Commonwealth University's Monroe Park Campus issued an alert to students stating that there was no longer an ongoing threat to the public.

A large number of police and other emergency responders remain in the area. The Richmond municipal authorities have announced that sections of several streets in the area will remain closed until further notice; these include parts of Belvidere, Broad, Grace, Lombardy, Franklin, Laurel, Cathedral, Cumberland, Pine, Floyd, and Harrison.

A heightened security presence is likely near the incident site over the coming hours as police and other emergency responders complete their operations and investigate the incident. Disruptions to business and transport, including streetcar services, are also likely.

Advice

Avoid the scene of the incident until authorities have secured the area and given the all-clear.