Two dead, seven injured in U.S. mass shooting

A violent early-morning shooting in the heart of Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood left two people dead and seven others wounded on Saturday, authorities said.

12 On Your Side reports that the incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. at North 18th Street, Shockoe Bottom, Virginia, U.S., a bustling area known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Richmond Police Department officers on patrol observed a large crowd engaged in apparent confrontations, according to department statements and updates from Police Chief Rick Edwards.

An officer responded almost immediately and discovered an adult woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Additional officers arriving shortly afterward found an adult man unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds, he too was pronounced dead on site.

In total, nine adults were shot: one male and one female fatally, one male with life-threatening injuries, and three male and three female with non-life-threatening wounds. Four victims were transported to hospitals by emergency services, while three others sought treatment on their own.

The shooting appears to have stemmed from a fight that escalated rapidly, with individuals intervening and gunfire erupting in the street.

Chief Edwards described the scene as frustrating, noting it followed what had been a relatively quiet night until the sudden chaos. Reports indicate there were at least two shooters involved, and police recovered more than 50 shell casings from the area.

Later updates identified the deceased victims as 23-year-old Genesis Jones of Petersburg and 42-year-old Dominic Jackson of Henrico County.

One account described the event as possibly linked to a birthday gathering where crossfire tragically claimed an innocent bystander.

No arrests or suspect details were immediately released in initial reports, though the investigation remains active.