Richmond Local Briefing: Key Stories for February 21, 2026

Deadly shooting rocks Shockoe Bottom entertainment district

Overnight, Richmond police responded to a mass shooting in the Shockoe Bottom entertainment district that left two people dead and seven others injured. Investigators say a street fight around 2:45 a.m. escalated when at least two people opened fire, striking nine victims before cars sped away from the scene.

A man and a woman died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, while four women and three men were taken to local hospitals. Some remain in serious condition. City leaders are condemning the violence and urging anyone who was in the area or has video from nearby businesses or vehicles to share it with detectives as they work to identify the shooters.

Shockoe Bottom, known for its dense mix of restaurants, bars, and clubs, is expected to see an increased police presence through the weekend as the investigation continues.

Editor killed in downtown hit-and-run; driver in custody

Richmond is also mourning the loss of a young magazine editor who was struck and killed in an alleged hit-and-run earlier this week while walking home from work in downtown. The 23-year-old victim was crossing near East Cary and South Second streets when she was hit by a vehicle that did not stop.

Police say tips and security video helped investigators track down the suspected driver, a 41-year-old Richmond woman who is now being held without bond on a felony hit-and-run charge. Colleagues describe the victim as a rising talent in the local media world and say they are planning a memorial to honor her work and support her family.

Officials are again reminding drivers to slow down and watch for pedestrians in the busy downtown corridor, especially during evening rush hour.

Major Powhite Parkway lane closures for tolling project

Drivers on the Powhite Parkway face significant delays today as crews continue work tied to the transition to all-electronic tolling. The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority has scheduled triple lane closures between the James River Bridge and Forest Hill Avenue for much of Saturday.

The closures are part of a larger project that will remove traditional cash toll booths on the Powhite, the Downtown Expressway and the Nickel Bridge, replacing them with overhead gantries that read E-ZPass transponders or bill drivers by license plate. The change is expected to improve traffic flow but will double costs for motorists who do not use E-ZPass.

Transportation officials are urging drivers to allow extra time, follow posted detours, and consider alternate routes while crews complete the weekend work.

Community note: Black-owned restaurants highlight giving-back efforts

As Black History Month continues, several Richmond Black-owned restaurants are participating in a broader statewide pay-what-you-can initiative aimed at feeding neighbors in need. The effort, which grew out of Richmond’s food community, encourages diners to pay what they can afford on select menu items, with proceeds helping cover meals for those who cannot pay.

Organizers say the model is meant to both support small, locally owned businesses and offer a dignified way for residents facing food insecurity to enjoy a hot meal.

Sources

https://apnews.com/article/453ee1870140650020bc4ecd54b1f6b7
https://people.com/2-dead-7-injured-virginia-mass-shooting-11911423
https://people.com/exceptional-editor-was-killed-in-alleged-hit-and-run-crash-and-a-woman-is-now-in-custody-11909672
https://www.rmtaonline.org/traffic-notice/traffic-advisory-triple-lane-closures-on-powhite-parkway-va-76-3/
https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/03/richmond-cashless-tolls-powhite-downtown-expressway-nickel-bridge-ezpass
https://richmondmagazine.com/restaurants-in-richmond/food-news/feb-19-25-2026/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/local-restaurants-part-pay-week-072437932.html