RICHMOND, Va. -- The family of the man who was killed outside Richmond's City Hall Friday morning identified the victim as 33-year-old Vincent Robinson Jr.
Richmond police say that two men, Robinson and the shooting suspect, were at a bus stop when they had an interaction that ended with the suspect shooting Robinson in the chest.
He was pronounced dead an hour later.
Police say the suspect in the shooting was last seen in the area of 7th and Grace Streets. He is described as a Black man, who was last seen with a short beard, a black and white hooded jacket, Fila sneakers, sunglasses, and blue jeans.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards addressed the shooting, saying that too many people are turning to guns to end arguments.
"It no longer turns into a punch it turns into a shot and that's what we saw here today, which cost a man his life," Edwards said.
Amurio Coles, who regularly rides the bus through the city, says he got to the scene 20 minutes after the shooting.
"At first I thought like, crazy, like a hostage situation. My first thought was, like, 'What was going on?' I saw, like, a lot of flares on the floor, on the ground. I've seen that in a long time," Coles said. "Then I checked my social media and some people said there was, like, a shooting in this area. So, I was, like, wow."
Coles says he hopes the violence in Richmond can be addressed.
"That RPD's able to, you know, do something with the situation. What's going on in the government -- officials and stuff. But, let's hope this gets better," he said.
Former Richmond councilmember and now state delegate Mike Jones also addressed the shooting, bringing it to attention at Friday's General Assembly session.
"Mr. Speaker, this morning we were all greeted with another shooting in the capital city of Commonwealth," said Jones, D - Richmond. "But, I'm glad that so many of us were able to see the yellow tape that I see on a monthly basis in my city...A person lost their life today, Mr. Speaker, and the question is what are we going to do about it?"
While Richmond City Hall was closed for International Women's Day, the buildings at the state capitol were placed into restricted access for several hours.
Speaking to CBS 6 afterwards, Jones said lawmakers give speeches that are inspired by what happens in their districts.
"Well, this is what's going on here in the city of Richmond. Your viewers, my neighbors, we all know the challenges that we face. We see yellow tape, not just at City Hall, but all throughout the city," added Jones.
The Democrat-controlled General Assembly approved multiple pieces of gun control bills this session and Jones said he is calling on Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to sign them into law.
"He's got to do something about it to keep our streets safe. If not, we're just going to continue to see yellow tape all throughout the city and all throughout the Commonwealth."
In response to Jones' comments, a spokesperson sent the following statement to CBS 6:
"Virginia's gun laws are already among the toughest in the nation and Governor Youngkin continues to pursue policies to hold criminals that commit crimes with guns accountable by strengthening penalties to effectively keep criminals off the streets and Virginians safe. The Governor will review any legislation that comes to his desk."
If you have any information regarding the shooting, you are asked to call Richmond Police Detective Godwin at 804-646-5533 or Crimestoppers at 804-780-1000.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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