Shockoe Bottom Mass Shooting Kills Two, Injures Seven

RICHMOND (Azat TV) – A mass shooting in Richmond’s vibrant Shockoe Bottom neighborhood early Saturday morning resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries, prompting a swift response from the Richmond Police Department. The incident, which occurred around 2:47 a.m. on North 18th Street, tragically claimed the life of 23-year-old Genesis Jones, an innocent bystander, and another adult male.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards confirmed that an officer already patrolling the area witnessed a ‘large commotion’ and cars speeding away, responding within seconds. The officer discovered an adult woman, later identified as Genesis Jones, with multiple gunshot wounds, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional responding officers located a second adult male with fatal gunshot wounds.

Genesis Jones’s family identified her as a young woman from Petersburg who was in Shockoe Bottom to celebrate her younger brother’s birthday. Her older brother, Zekiah Jones, told CBS 6 that Genesis was simply walking down the street when she was struck by gunfire. He described his sister as ‘the life of the party,’ someone who loved bringing people together. Zekiah Jones emphasized that police indicated his sister was not involved in the altercation, highlighting her tragic status as an innocent victim.

Zekiah Jones also used the opportunity to speak out against gun violence. ‘I was always against guns, but now it really hits home,’ he stated. ‘We, as the people — no matter race or gender — have to come together. The violence has to stop. Not only is my family affected, but there were other victims and families affected. No family should have to feel this, especially during this time of year. We came to celebrate, and now we’re leaving in grief.”

In addition to the two fatalities, seven other individuals sustained gunshot wounds. Police reported that three adult males and four adult females were among the injured. Four of the wounded were transported to a hospital by the Richmond Ambulance Authority, while three others sought medical attention independently by arriving in private vehicles.

Richmond Police Detail Shockoe Bottom Incident

Chief Edwards provided an initial assessment of the events leading up to the shooting, stating, ‘At this point, it seems like a fight started. Individuals intervened, and shots were fired. They were all in the middle of the street… in the 0–100 block of North 18th Street.’ He expressed frustration over the incident, noting that it had been a relatively quiet night until the outbreak of gunfire. The Chief underscored the danger of individuals carrying firearms, noting how a normal fight can quickly escalate. Police currently believe there were at least two shooters involved, though information may evolve as the investigation progresses.

Chaos and Ongoing Investigation in Shockoe Bottom

Witnesses described the scene as ‘mad chaos,’ with what sounded like automatic gunfire intensifying. Bartenders in nearby establishments recounted customers ducking behind bars for safety. Crime Insider Jon Burkett reported seeing cars riddled with bullets and forensic teams collecting shell casings from both vehicles and streets. Chief Edwards confirmed that ‘several cars have been hit by bullets.’

The Richmond Police Department has cordoned off a large crime scene, shutting down streets from 17th and Main to 19th and Main, and around 18th and Franklin. Detectives are actively reviewing surveillance footage and utilizing technology to identify suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Richmond Police at 804-780-1000 or Crime Stoppers at the same number. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

The tragic events in Shockoe Bottom underscore the devastating consequences when disputes escalate into gun violence, particularly affecting innocent bystanders. The incident highlights the urgent societal challenge of preventing firearms from turning routine altercations into fatal mass casualty events.