What would an gun violence ambassadors program look like in Richmond?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond officials are weighing how to prevent gun violence with community intervention, including a nightlife ambassadors program, which has been discussed before and after February's deadly mass shooting in Shockoe Bottom.

Richmond Office of Gun Violence Prevention director Greg Hopkins said these ambassadors will be tasked with peace messaging and de-escalating high-risk engagements before, during and after nightlife events. They will not be city employees and will be paid on a contractual basis.

Up to 10 people will be recruited and trained between this April and June, eventually working with show promoters, DJs and club owners to keep everyone safe in Richmond's nightlife scene.

Hopkins wants the ambassadors on the street no later than the first week of June. The plan is to deploy the ambassadors in Shockoe Bottom, Northside and the East End.

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Hopkins sees an ambassadors program as one piece in the puzzle in the goal to significantly reduce gun violence. According to him, Richmond saw 54 gun-related deaths both in 2024 and 2025.

"We say, 'Hey, look, let's look at opportunities where we can look at those areas that are impacted — hot spots here in the City of Richmond — and create a cadre of individuals that can work and mitigate some of the issues that we see," Hopkins said.

A three-year, $344,000 state grant is making this pilot program possible. Hopkins says similar programs have been put in place, including in Baltimore, Maryland, where he says gun-related deaths dropped 20% -- a decline he describes as significant.

Hopkins has invited all Richmonders to join him in the journey.

"We want to make sure that those people who come down are those folks that are in our communities, that they understand that if we want a campaign for peace in the City of Richmond -- and we want to make sure it is a safe and better place -- everybody has to [do] their part," Hopkins said. "We're going to keep pushing forward until we see the results we need."

Those interested in getting involved in the community violence intervention program are encouraged to call 804-646-4312.

For all of our coverage on the tragic Shockoe Bottom mass shooting, click here.