Richmond Police Fulfill Promise with Gunfire Arrests

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RICHMOND, Va. — As many people celebrated the start of a new year, gunshots echoed through Central Virginia, contradicting local police warnings against celebratory gunfire just days before.

The Richmond Police Department (RPD) received numerous calls about random gunfire on New Year’s Day. One individual was arrested within hours of the incident, thanks to a social media post that exposed his actions.

William McGriff, a 40-year-old man, livestreamed himself firing shots into the air on Facebook around midnight on January 1. The RPD reviewed the video and identified the location of the shooting as the 2300 block of Halifax Avenue. Around 2:28 p.m., detectives executed a search warrant at the address, recovered the firearm, and arrested McGriff for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Additional charges are still pending.

According to RPD, there were 72 calls related to random gunfire on New Year’s Eve, including multiple reports of the same incidents. One anonymous Richmond resident shared a video showing what they believe was a bullet’s path through their home. The footage showed damage to their ceiling and walls, with the bullet entering their office. Fortunately, no one was present at the time, but the resident expressed concern that the bullet could have harmed someone or their pets.

Just days before the incident, on December 30, RPD Chief Rick Edwards issued a warning against the dangers of celebratory gunfire. He emphasized that while he hoped people would avoid discharging weapons, the department would take action if necessary.

“Hopefully people will not be shooting guns in the air and discharging their weapons and celebrating,” Edwards said. “But, if they do, our officers will be out there to make those arrests.”

Henrico Police reported 55 calls related to firearm violations during the New Year holiday. However, they do not specifically track calls about celebratory gunfire and did not make any arrests connected to these reports.

Chesterfield County Police received 27 calls alleging they heard gunfire on New Year’s Eve. None of these calls were confirmed as celebratory gunfire, and no arrests have been made so far.

The issue of celebratory gunfire remains a growing concern for law enforcement agencies across the region. While some may view it as a harmless tradition, the risks it poses—such as injury, property damage, and legal consequences—are significant.

Local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible behavior during holidays and public events. They urge residents to avoid discharging firearms in public spaces and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

As the investigation into McGriff’s case continues, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with reckless behavior. Law enforcement is determined to hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of the circumstances.

With the ongoing efforts to prevent future incidents, communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and support initiatives that promote public safety.