[aristeides]

Why did they only close the schools in the Richmond area if these shootings have been taking place all over the D.C. area?

Because VA law enforcement leaked the threat to local families. At first, only people in VA were aware of the danger, and demanded that the schools be closed.

[Alberta's Child]

Clearly that is what happened. I was speculating about why, once the Richmond area schools closed, the announcement was not made to the general public sooner. I mean, there must be plenty of folks living near Richmond who alerted their relatives in Montgomery County about the warning.