Security guards at Richmond City Hall will soon be armed

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond city leaders announced during Monday's City Council meeting that City Hall security guards will carry guns beginning in late 2026.

At an informal meeting of Richmond City Council on Jan. 12, Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II stated that at the start of November 2025, City Hall guards would become armed to increase the level of safety for staff members and the community.

According to a report shared by Donald during the meeting, in 2024, the city entered a new security services contract that will still provide minimum wage requirements and transition to a fully armed security system.

Additionally, with this new security system, it will lower the number of guards needed since these guards have higher levels of certification and experience.

The city reported that under this new $8.1 million contract, it will spend around $1 million more than the previous contract. The increase is due to the additional training, equipment and insurance that is needed for these new changes.

The report also said that an attempt to bring these service in-house would cost the city millions more and would take between nine and 12 months for the transition. It would also include:

• Recruiting 227 new employees
• Time and money for new equipment
• Training and background checks for new security members
• Negotiated contracts instead of the set cost signed in a contract

Donald presented the analysis to council members. Donald's report also includes the external contract for the janitorial staff's wages in addition to security.

Through a contracted service, the janitorial wage will reportedly increase to $20 an hour. Councilwoman Kenya Gibson pushed for more so that the staff members can work under a livable salary.