Four people were shot at a high school graduation ceremony in Richmond, Va., on Tuesday afternoon, according to multiple reports.
Cops swarmed the Altria Theater and nearby Monroe Park on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University shortly after 5 p.m. local time, CBS affiliate WTVR reported.
Police did not immediately confirm reports of a shooting or any information about the number of victims. However, sources told both WTVR and local NBC affiliate WWBT that four people had been shot. Their conditions were not reported.
According to local CBS reporter Tyler Layne, VCU police issued an alert around 5:15 p.m. about a shooting near Monroe Park, advising people to seek shelter and remain indoors. About 30 minutes after the initial warning, VCU sent a follow-up alert saying it was safe to “resume normal activity” but told people to continue avoiding Monroe Park.
The Altria Theater was hosting graduation ceremonies for Richmond Public Schools students throughout the day Tuesday.
Huguenot High’s graduation was scheduled for 4 p.m., according to the district website. Thomas Jefferson High was scheduled for a ceremony at 7 p.m., but it has since been postponed.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 2023 graduation ceremony scheduled for tonight has been canceled due to an incident that occurred this evening after an earlier graduation,” the district said in a statement.