Richmond Officials Address Shockoe Bottom Mass Shooting
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and Police Chief Rick Edwards are developing new public safety strategies following a recent mass shooting in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. Officials described the incident as "horrific" and are focused on managing the aftermath and preventing future violence in the area.
The February 21, 2026 shooting in Shockoe Bottom resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries after a street fight escalated to gunfire around 2:45 a.m. The deceased were identified as 23-year-old Genesis Tamar Jones of Petersburg and 42-year-old Dominic Antoine Jackson of Henrico. The incident occurred after the area's bars had closed for the night. Investigators recovered over 50 cartridge casings and at least two firearms from the scene at 18th and Main streets. Police Chief Rick Edwards stated that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two groups and that multiple people were filming the altercation before the shots were fired. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting the Richmond Police Department with the investigation. In response to the shooting, Mayor Danny Avula announced plans to deploy unarmed community ambassadors in Shockoe Bottom during peak hours. This strategy, which has been used in other cities, aims to provide a non-police presence to help de-escalate situations as crowds disperse after bars close. The city is currently finalizing funding and training for the program, with an expected launch in the summer. This incident has amplified ongoing conversations about gun violence in Richmond. While the city saw a decrease in the total number of people shot in 2025 compared to the previous year, the homicide rate remained steady. Community advocates and officials continue to grapple with the prevalence of firearms and the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to violence.
