Huguenot High School graduate Shawn D. Jackson, age 18, and his stepfather Renzo R. Smith, 36, were killed when gunfire erupted Tuesday in Monroe Park following a graduation ceremony for Huguenot students at the Altria Theater.

During a press conference with city and school representatives at Richmond Police Headquarters on Wednesday, officials struck a somber note as they shared information with the public and sympathy with the victims’ family and friends in the aftermath of the shooting.

“Getting to the graduation stage was not easy for Shawn,” said Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, noting that, while he didn’t know him personally, friends and family described him as “bubbly and the life of the party.”

“Nonetheless, he did it, and he was rightly proud, smiling, and celebrating like all of his peers,” Mr. Kamras said. “Then, just a few minutes later, while enjoying the moment with his family in Monroe Park, he was gunned down. I can’t shake the image of him receiving CPR on the ground, still in his graduation cap.”

Seven people were shot as students, family and friends celebrated in the minutes following the graduation ceremony, according to Police Chief Rick Edwards. The five other men shot, ages, 14, 31, 42, 55 and 58, are recovering with non-life-threatening injuries from the shooting.

Six others sustained injuries unrelated to the shooting, with three transported to the hospital for anxiety and two injured from falls. Mr. Smith’s nine-year-old daughter was hit by a car as she fled the area, and is being treated for her injuries.

Amari TyJon Pollard, 19, was arrested on Tuesday and charged Wednesday with two counts of second degree murder with additional charges possible, according to police. He is being held without bond, and the case has been continued to a hearing later this month, as shared by Commonwealth’s Attorney Collette McEachin in an email to the Associated Press.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney expressed his desire to see Mr. Pollard prosecuted, but also stressed the need for the community “to put down firearms and lift up our hearts” as a way to recover from this tragedy and ensure peace moving forward.

“Our city, our community will not be defined by this violence,” Mayor Stoney said. “Huguenot High will not be defined by this violence.” “This just needs to stop,” Mr. Kamras said, calling for fewer guns in the community and in the streets, mental health support for children, and state and federal assistance in education, health care and housing. “I’m tired of the vigils, the well-meaning thoughts and prayers and the hand wringing. We need action.”

“Let’s not make this a red issue or blue issue,” Mr. Kamras said. “Can’t we just make it a child issue? Can’t we agree that we all love our children and we need to do better by them?”

Following the shooting, federal, state and local politicians offered condolences, weighed in on the cause of the shooting and suggested necessary responses to prevent future tragedies.

In a statement Tuesday and a floor speech in Congress on Wednesday, Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan mourned the lives lost and called for policy to address and reduce gun violence.

“As the mother of two school-aged children, I cannot fathom the profound heartbreak, sense of loss and trauma these families are experiencing,” Rep. McClellan stated. “We must address the root causes of gun violence and pass common sense gun safety policies that protect our communities.”

Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin also issued a statement Tuesday.

“My administration continues monitoring the terrible shooting in the heart of Richmond tonight,” he stated. “State law enforcement are fully supporting the Richmond Police Department as this investigation moves forward.”

Chief Edwards said he believed the incident was likely the result of a year-long personal dispute between Mr. Jackson and Mr. Pollard, who police believe attended the graduation. He added that the shooting didn’t appear to be premeditated and that the motive is still under investigation.

RPS closed all schools Wednesday in response to the shooting, and later announced all schools will be closed Thursday and Friday, essentially ending the school year.

Mr. Jackson and Mr. Smith’s deaths are the 32nd and 33rd homicides in Richmond this year, according to Chief Edwards.

Tuesday’s shooting was also the second to occur at a Richmond school event this year, after a shooting at George Wythe High School in April left two students injured. Three Armstrong High School students also were shot in two separate incidents Tuesday.

The mass shooting also is the 169th to occur this year according to statistics from The Violence Project, a nonprofit that tracks and researches shootings in America.

The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority is providing counselors for those impacted by this tragedy, and can be reached at (804) 819-4100. The ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline is also available at (804) 305-2420. Mr. Kamras said a vigil is planned for Mr. Jackson and Mr. Smith.