Woman shot near Republican Party offices in Richmond after dispute at hair salon

A shooting occurred Thursday afternoon in front of the Republican Party of Virginia offices at The Obenshain Center on East Grace Street in Richmond, according to WRIC and WTVR reports. The incident involved a woman who fired a gun after feeling threatened during an ongoing dispute with another individual.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards explained the shooting stemmed from a dispute between a hair salon employee and the salon owner, whose business is located across the street from the GOP offices, as reported by NBC12. The employee, identified as 34-year-old Dorian Evans, entered the salon with a gun, prompting the owner to fire in self-defense.

A bystander standing near the Republican Party offices was struck by gunfire and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to WTVR and NBC12. The victim was brought inside the GOP office by individuals canvassing nearby until EMS arrived.

Authorities emphasized that the shooting was unrelated to the Republican Party of Virginia or the upcoming elections, with police and party officials confirming all GOP staff were safe and the incident did not involve party operations.

Richmond police are searching for Dorian Evans, who fled the scene and is wanted for attempted murder and using a firearm to commit a felony, according to NBC12. Officers are also looking for the other employee involved in the dispute, who may have been shot during the incident.