34-Year-Old Wanted for Attempted Murder After Bystander Shot Near Virginia GOP Office

Richmond Police Investigate Salon Dispute Shooting Outside Virginia GOP Headquarters

A bystander was shot on Thursday afternoon in front of the Republican Party of Virginia headquarters at The Obenshain Center on East Grace Street, following a dispute inside a nearby hair salon, according to Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards. Richmond Police confirmed the incident was unrelated to the Republican Party of Virginia. The shooting happened around 1:45 p.m.

Dorian Evans Wanted on Attempted Murder Charges

Authorities identified the suspect who fled the scene as 34-year-old Dorian Evans of Richmond. According to the Richmond Police Department, Evans worked at the hair salon across the street and had an ongoing dispute with the business owner. Police stated that Evans showed up in an aggressive fashion, prompting the business owner to feel threatened and discharge a firearm. The business owner remained at the scene to speak with investigators, while police are looking for Evans, who is wanted for attempted murder and using a firearm to commit a felony.

Innocent Bystander Receives Emergency Aid

A bystander standing on the other side of the street by the Republican Party of Virginia headquarters was accidentally hit by gunfire. Frank Loehr, the CFO for the Republican Party of Virginia, explained that individuals with a table outside the office—identified by another source as an environmental group—brought the woman into the GOP office. The bystander received aid until EMS arrived and took her to the hospital. She is expected to be okay.

Party Officials and Police Assure Community Safety

The Republican Party of Virginia confirmed via social media that all staff are safe. Chief Edwards addressed the public shortly after the incident to alleviate anxiety in the final days before the election. It’s unfortunate because everyone is on edge, obviously Tuesday is Election Day. and that’s why I felt compelled to say this is a non-life-threatening shooting. I wanted to come out to the community as quick as possible assuage the community, this is an isolated incident, Edwards said. The Republican Party of Virginia reiterated that the shooting was not correlated to their organization.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Richmond Shooting

What caused the shooting outside the Virginia GOP headquarters?

Police reported that the gunfire stemmed from a dispute between a hair salon owner and an employee across the street from The Obenshain Center. The employee, identified as Dorian Evans, showed up in an aggressive fashion, leading the owner to discharge a firearm.

Is the suspect currently in police custody?

No, Dorian Evans fled the scene before officers arrived and is wanted by RPD for attempted murder and using a firearm to commit a felony.

Who was injured in the incident?

An innocent bystander standing on the other side of the street was accidentally hit by gunfire. Individuals with a table outside the office brought her inside the GOP office to receive aid until EMS arrived to take her to the hospital.

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