At least six people are dead and four others hospitalized with injuries after a shooter opened fire inside a Virginia Walmart Tuesday night just one hour before the store was scheduled to close, according to police.
The suspected shooter has also been pronounced dead by what police believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to officials. Investigators have identified the suspect, but officials declined to release his identity until a next of kin can be notified of his death, officials told reporters on Wednesday.
POLICE RESPOND TO SHOOTING WITH ‘MULTIPLE FATALITIES’ AT VIRGINIA WALMART
“I am devastated by the senseless act of violence that took place late last night in our City,” Chesapeake Mayor Rick West said in a statement. “My prayers are with all those affected — the victims, their family, their friends, and their coworkers. I am grateful for the quick actions taken by our first responders who rushed to the scene. Chesapeake is a tightknit community and we are all shaken by this news.”
Police in Chesapeake, Virginia, responded to an active shooter incident around 10:12 p.m. on Tuesday. By the time police arrived at 10:14 p.m., the shooting appeared to have ceased, and officials entered the premises and began searching the scene for victims at 10:16 p.m.
The scene was declared safe by 10:20 p.m., according to officials. Upon entering the scene, police found the suspect already deceased from a gunshot wound, which they believe was self-inflicted. Police believe he was working alone and have declared no risk to the public at this time.
The suspect was identified as a Walmart manager who opened fire inside a break room, according to police and eyewitness Briana Tyler, an employee at the store.
“We are shocked at this tragic event at our Chesapeake, Virginia store,” a Walmart spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “We’re praying for those impacted, the community, and our associates. We’re working closely with law enforcement, and we are focused on supporting our associates.”
The company declined to comment further on the identity of the suspected shooter.
Officials spent several hours after the incident sweeping the store to search for victims or people who may have been hiding, according to police. Police confirmed they will continue processing the scene over the next few days, and the store will remain closed during this process.
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In response to the shooting, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has ordered all U.S. and state flags at local, state, and federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff from Wednesday until Sunday at sunset.
INBOX: @GovernorVA orders that U.S./Virginia flags be flown at half-staff following the Chesapeake mass shooting, until Sunday at sunset. @13NewsNow pic.twitter.com/YVEDzLGvuv
— Preston Steger 13News Now ? (@prestonsteger) November 23, 2022
“Our hearts break with the community of Chesapeake this morning,” Youngkin said. “I remain in contact with law enforcement officials throughout this morning and have made available any resources as this investigation moves forward. Heinous acts of violence have no place in our communities.”
