Richmond Police considers making Shockoe Bottom a gun-free zone to reduce violent crime

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond's City Council and Police Department are trying to make Shockoe Bottom nightlife safer, and that could mean making it a gun-free zone.

At a Tuesday city council meeting, Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards provided an update on crime in the area. Violent crime is up 3% compared to 2024, and Edwards said there are concerns for escalating violence.

"The reason Shockoe Bottom is a concern," Edwards said, "is for the possibility of mass shootings.”

Edwards noted recent incidents in the area, like the shooting of a Department of Public Works employee in May, and other arrests related to fights and firearms.

He said nationwide, there have been 200 mass shootings in 2025 so far, with some of the most common environments being bars and entertainment districts, public parks and house parties.

A concern for RPD in Shockoe is the combination of large crowds, alcohol and firearm. Edwards said this leads to shootings by people that don't have criminal histories.

"They just think it’s a cool thing to do to bring my gun to the city," Edwards said. "And before they know it they’re in a fight and they’re using one of these weapons."

Edwards said he was considering making the area a gun-free zone, similar to other entertainment districts in the country like Times Square in New York.

"[There] it’s illegal to possess a firearm even for those who have concealed weapons permits," Edwards said. "So something like that I think could be really helpful."

"We want you to come to out city," he added. "We want you to enjoy the great restaurants we have and the nightlife, but leave your guns at home.”

Members of council raised concerns with how this could affect residents of Shockoe Bottom that own firearms. They also questioned if it would be legal for the city to enforce a gun-free zone.

Council asked Chief Edwards to come back with the direction he and Richmond Police would like to take the policy.