Virginia Mass Shooting Update: Video Shows Alleged Gunmen After Attack

A video shows two armed men walking down a street in northeastern Virginia following a mass shooting that left three dead and three others wounded on Tuesday.

The shooting took place at around 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday at a townhouse complex in Spotsylvania County, just outside Fredericksburg, according to Maj. Elizabeth Scott, spokeswoman for the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office.

In the video, the two suspects are seen fleeing the scene carrying guns. They are then seen turning around and running in the other direction.

Why It Matters

So far in 2025, there have been 72 mass shootings, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Three of those, including the incident on Tuesday, have occurred in Virginia.

In 2024, Virginia saw 13 mass shootings in total.

What To Know

Following Tuesday's shooting, Maj. Scott said the three injured individuals had been taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, but their conditions remain unknown. She added that all the victims were found outside.

Four individuals were charged Wednesday in connection with the shooting, according to the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office.

The suspects—two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and an 18-year-old—face charges of malicious wounding and felony use of a firearm. Authorities said three of the suspects were taken into custody Wednesday morning, while the fourth, currently hospitalized with a gunshot wound, will be taken into custody upon his release.

Investigators believe the shooting resulted from an attempted robbery during an illegal gun sale.

Following the shooting, witnesses revealed what they experienced during the incident. One individual told DC News Now that they heard "10 or 15 single shots," followed by a brief pause and then more gunfire.

Another neighbor told FOX 5: "I was coming down the hill. I was looking forward and I saw about three or four individuals and I heard it and I saw bullets going everywhere, they were kind of going at each other. Then I saw some run off down the road and after a little bit they started walking back holding their big guns and they started walking up the hill, then they cut off behind the townhouses and that's when the first officer arrived on scene."

Officials urged people to avoid the crime scene and for residents living near by to stay indoors while authorities investigate.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced on its website that classes would begin two hours late on Wednesday "in light of the profound impact this incident has had on members of our school community."

"This delay will allow us the necessary time to prepare our buildings and staff to welcome students with the care and support they may need during this difficult time," the statement said.

What Happens Next

An investigation is under way and authorities are urging witnesses to send in any video of the incident. Police emphasized that the incident poses no ongoing threat to public safety.

Update: 4/9/25, 12:42 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.