Three individuals lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries in a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday evening in northeastern Virginia. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office has informed the public that one or more perpetrators might still be at large.
The tragic event unfolded around 5:30 p.m. at a townhouse complex located in Spotsylvania County, near Fredericksburg and roughly 65 miles southwest of Washington. Maj. Elizabeth Scott, the spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, conveyed the urgency of the situation via a media briefing.
Authorities have urged the community to steer clear of the affected vicinity. Residents nearby are advised to remain indoors while the investigation continues. Initial findings suggest the possibility of multiple shooters being involved in the incident. As of now, there have been no arrests, nor conclusive information regarding the motive behind the attack.
“There are numerous officers actively engaged in locating suspects and securing the crime scene,” Maj. Scott reiterated.
The injured victims have been transported to local hospitals with gunshot-related injuries, although details regarding their conditions were not disclosed at the time of the report. All of the victims were found outdoors, confirmed Scott.
The spokesperson assured the public during a nightly press conference that efforts would continue through the night until the suspects are apprehended.
Authorities are appealing to potential witnesses to share any video footage that might aid their investigations.
The aftermath of the shooting has reverberated through the community, prompting Fredericksburg City Public Schools to announce a delayed start by two hours on Wednesday. As communicated on their website, this decision was made “in light of the profound impact this incident has had on members of our school community.”
The statement elaborated on the need for this delay to ensure that facilities and staff are prepared to provide the necessary care and support students might require during this distressing period, though specifics were not enumerated.