Safety ambassador who helped disarm Huguenot High graduation shooter given Valor Award
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Denise Smith, the unarmed civilian safety ambassador whose de-escalation efforts helped disarm the man who killed Richmond student Shawn Jackson right after his graduation, was given a Valor Award for courage. On June 6, 2023, two people -- 18-year-old graduate Shawn Jackson and his stepfather, Lorenzo Smith -- were shot and killed outside of the Altria Theater in Richmond after Huguenot High School's graduation ceremony. Several other people were injured. ALL COVERAGE: Huguenot High School Graduation Shooting Amari Pollard, who was 19 years old at the time of the shooting, has since pleaded guilty to Jackson's murder. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Police safety ambassador Denise Smith was one of the first people to interact with Pollard directly following the shooting. Her courage and efforts to de-escalate the situation until backup arrived earned her a Valor Award, which she was given on Tuesday, Dec. 10. According to a press release from VCU Police, safety ambassadors are unarmed, non-sworn civilian members of the police force -- meaning Smith was not armed when Pollard approached her. They respond to calls for service that typically don't require a sworn police officer. “Safety Ambassador Smith displayed high levels of courage, commitment and dedication to the safety of the VCU community," said John Venuti, Chief of VCU Police and associate vice president for public safety at VCU and VCU Health, in his submission nominating Smith for her award. "Her actions clearly demonstrate valor." VCU Police safety ambassador Denise Smith receives a Valor Award for her courage during the June 2023 Huguenot High School graduation shooting. (Photo: VCU Police) What was Smith's involvement in Pollard's arrest? Previously, the FBI provided a timeline video that included relevant footage from before, during and after the shooting. In that video, Pollard can be seen encountering Smith after running into a VCU parking deck on Laurel Street with a gun in his hand. When Smith approached Pollard, he dropped his gun on the ground. In the moments that follow, Smith can be seen -- and heard, on her body camera footage -- trying to keep Pollard from leaving the deck, as well as prevent him from picking the gun back up. Pollard gives Smith a hug, which she returns, continuing efforts to de-escalate the situation. When he picks up the gun again the first time, it's as an unarmed bystander approaches the two. Smith can be seen putting her hands on Pollard's back and convincing him to drop the gun again, while the bystander backs away. MORE: 11 witnesses take the stand in day 2 of Huguenot graduation shooting trial The second time Pollard picks up the gun, he appears to bring it to his head. Prosecutors testified in court that he was trying to kill himself. Pollard testified in court that he was checking to see if the gun was empty, not trying to take his own life. Regardless of his motive, Smith convinces him to put the gun down again without incident. Smith can then be seen placing herself bodily between Pollard and the gun as she continues to speak with him, trying to calm him down and keep him nearby. Pollard can be heard apologizing and saying he thought he was going to be killed. Smith convinces him to hide behind a nearby car -- as he repeatedly expresses concern for his life -- while she waits for backup. You can read the full submission by Venuti below. VALOR Award Submission.Letter from Chief John VenutiDownload
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Denise Smith, the unarmed civilian safety ambassador whose de-escalation efforts helped disarm the man who killed Richmond student Shawn Jackson right after his graduation, was given a Valor Award for courage.
On June 6, 2023, two people -- 18-year-old graduate Shawn Jackson and his stepfather, Lorenzo Smith -- were shot and killed outside of the Altria Theater in Richmond after Huguenot High School's graduation ceremony. Several other people were injured.
ALL COVERAGE: Huguenot High School Graduation Shooting
Amari Pollard, who was 19 years old at the time of the shooting, has since pleaded guilty to Jackson's murder.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Police safety ambassador Denise Smith was one of the first people to interact with Pollard directly following the shooting. Her courage and efforts to de-escalate the situation until backup arrived earned her a Valor Award, which she was given on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
According to a press release from VCU Police, safety ambassadors are unarmed, non-sworn civilian members of the police force -- meaning Smith was not armed when Pollard approached her. They respond to calls for service that typically don't require a sworn police officer.
“Safety Ambassador Smith displayed high levels of courage, commitment and dedication to the safety of the VCU community," said John Venuti, Chief of VCU Police and associate vice president for public safety at VCU and VCU Health, in his submission nominating Smith for her award. "Her actions clearly demonstrate valor."
VCU Police safety ambassador Denise Smith receives a Valor Award for her courage during the June 2023 Huguenot High School graduation shooting. (Photo: VCU Police)
What was Smith's involvement in Pollard's arrest?
Previously, the FBI provided a timeline video that included relevant footage from before, during and after the shooting. In that video, Pollard can be seen encountering Smith after running into a VCU parking deck on Laurel Street with a gun in his hand.
When Smith approached Pollard, he dropped his gun on the ground. In the moments that follow, Smith can be seen -- and heard, on her body camera footage -- trying to keep Pollard from leaving the deck, as well as prevent him from picking the gun back up. Pollard gives Smith a hug, which she returns, continuing efforts to de-escalate the situation.
When he picks up the gun again the first time, it's as an unarmed bystander approaches the two. Smith can be seen putting her hands on Pollard's back and convincing him to drop the gun again, while the bystander backs away.
MORE: 11 witnesses take the stand in day 2 of Huguenot graduation shooting trial
The second time Pollard picks up the gun, he appears to bring it to his head. Prosecutors testified in court that he was trying to kill himself. Pollard testified in court that he was checking to see if the gun was empty, not trying to take his own life. Regardless of his motive, Smith convinces him to put the gun down again without incident.
Smith can then be seen placing herself bodily between Pollard and the gun as she continues to speak with him, trying to calm him down and keep him nearby. Pollard can be heard apologizing and saying he thought he was going to be killed. Smith convinces him to hide behind a nearby car -- as he repeatedly expresses concern for his life -- while she waits for backup.
You can read the full submission by Venuti below.
