Mayor announces arrests in Shockoe Bottom fatal shooting; police name three suspects

Mayor (name not provided) opened a press briefing saying the city has "brought three people into custody" in connection with the Feb. 21 Shockoe Bottom shooting that killed two people and that officials are working to ensure justice for the victims' families. "You are welcome, but your guns are not," the mayor said, urging visitors to leave firearms at home.

Rick Edwards, Chief of Police, said the three arrested suspects are Drayvon Jackson Brown, 25, of Henrico County; Carlos Johnson Jr., 26, of Henrico County; and Sequan Morris, 22, of Henrico County. Edwards said the three have been charged with first‑degree murder and related firearm offenses, including use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He said Jackson Brown was arrested "minutes ago" before the briefing, Johnson was arrested Thursday night, and Morris was arrested early Friday morning; arraignments were expected Monday.

"You can never make a good decision if you're armed and intoxicated," Edwards said, characterizing the shooting as a conflict fueled by alcohol and rapid access to guns. He described the investigation as "incredibly complicated," saying detectives and forensic teams worked long hours and used community‑submitted video to build a timeline.

Commonwealth Attorney Colette Wallace‑Mekechuk praised the Richmond Police Department and its partners, named lead Detective Jacob de Board and colleagues from Henrico and Petersburg police, and said the charged individuals will proceed through the public criminal justice process and have the right to counsel.

Officials credited multi‑agency cooperation for the arrests. Ian M. Kaufman, special agent in charge of FBI Richmond, described the FBI’s role as support: the bureau is analyzing images and video and operating a tip line for community submissions to produce a timeline for prosecution. Joe Norman of the ATF said his office is assisting with NIBIN and eTrace ballistic and trace work.

City Council President Cynthia Newbill thanked law enforcement and said the city will work with Shockoe Bottom businesses on safety measures. She and the chief described increased weekend patrols and a tactical operation that was moved up to cover the St. Patrick’s Day crowd; first‑precinct officers will focus on consistent weekend presence so officers familiar with the district handle calls and crowd management.

Greg Hopkins, director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, described an ambassador program working with nightclub owners, DJs and promoters to promote peaceful nightlife and said Operation Safe Shockoe will run from April through December 2026 with partner events such as a night market. "Protect your peace," Hopkins said, summarizing the program's aim to prevent escalation in nightlife settings.

When asked whether all shooters had been apprehended, officials said the investigation is ongoing and that other people discharged firearms at the scene, but that those responsible for the deaths have been held accountable in the arrests announced. Officials also confirmed that the most recently arrested suspect shares a last name with one of the deceased and is the brother of a male victim.

On legal limits to establishing gun‑free zones, officials said creating a zone covering Shockoe Bottom is complicated because people now live in portions of the district; they urged safer storage and noted legislation requiring safe storage in vehicles. Edwards warned that bringing guns to social events usually worsens risk and increases the chance of deadly escalation.

Officials said all wounded people were in non‑life‑threatening condition and that families had been notified of the arrests. They described success as being able to stand before the families and explain what happened, while acknowledging that arrests do not erase trauma.

The briefing closed with officials reiterating a two‑track approach: enforcement and prosecution alongside prevention and community engagement to change behaviors and reduce violence in Shockoe Bottom.