RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: A woman was injured in a shooting outside the Republican Party of Virginia’s headquarters in downtown Richmond, triggering an immediate police response and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The shooting took place on Thursday afternoon, October  near the Obenshain Center on East Grace Street, where the Republican Party of Virginia maintains its offices.

According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. Emergency responders arrived within minutes after receiving reports of gunfire.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said the injured woman was believed to be an innocent bystander who had no direct involvement in the dispute that led to the shooting.

Investigators believe the incident began inside a nearby hair salon, where a disagreement reportedly developed between the business owner and an individual with whom she had an ongoing dispute.

Police said the individual entered the salon in an aggressive manner, prompting the owner to fire her weapon in what she described as an act of self-defence.

During the exchange of gunfire, a woman standing outside near the Republican Party headquarters was accidentally struck by a bullet.

The injured woman was taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities described her injuries as non-life-threatening and said she was expected to recover.

Police Investigate Possible Second Injured Person

Investigators also believe that the man involved in the confrontation may have sustained gunshot injuries. Blood discovered at the scene raised concerns that he could have been wounded during the incident.

Police Chief Edwards appealed to the man to contact authorities and seek medical attention so investigators could establish exactly what happened.

The woman who allegedly fired the shots remained in police custody as detectives continued examining the circumstances of the confrontation.

Political Headquarters Not Connected to Shooting

The incident occurred just outside the Republican Party of Virginia’s offices, creating initial concerns because of its proximity to a major political organisation ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

However, police made clear that the shooting was not connected to election activities or the Republican Party’s operations.

Party officials confirmed that all employees inside the headquarters were safe when the gunfire occurred.

The investigation remains focused on the personal dispute that allegedly triggered the shooting, while authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.