[Richmond, Virginia] Following up on a tip from a concerned
resident who overheard a plot of a mass shooting targeting the City’s 4th
of July Celebration, the Richmond Police Department began an exhaustive
investigation to determine its validity.
Based on the initial information and subsequent investigation,
investigators concluded that Dogwood Dell was the intended target.
Event timeline:
July 1, 2022
·
Weapons were
seized.
·
One suspect
was taken into custody.
·
The second
suspect remained under surveillance throughout the weekend until his
apprehension on July 5, 2022.
July 5, 2022
·
The second
suspect was apprehended in Charlottesville, VA.
Both suspects were detained using Virginia State Statute and
at the time no Federal charges have been made.
At no time did the police department violate the Mayor’s
2017 Executive Order that states:
“The Richmond Police Department
will not consent to participate with the Immigration Customs Enforcement 287(g)
agreements” and will focus on residents’ well-being, not their legal status.”
Immigration Customs Enforcement
287(g) authorizes the director of ICE to enter into agreements with local law
enforcement to train and perform immigration law functions. Currently, the only
287(g) agreement in Virginia involves the Prince William-Manassas Regional
Adult Detention Center.
The results of this investigation were based on good police
work and a hero resident working collectively to ensure the safety of thousands
of Richmonders.
“Over the course of the investigation, we believed it
necessary to keep the information secure, not wanting to risk tipping off any
suspects while also not desiring to incite fear in our residents,” said Police
Chief Gerald Smith. “I stand behind the thoroughness of this investigation and
continue to be proud of the work that our officers did to thwart a plot that
could have proven disastrous for Richmond.”
Once the investigation is complete, it will be turned over
to Commonwealth Attorney for further adjudication. At that time, they will determine what
evidence can and will be shared with the public.
