At least seven people dead, others hurt after gunman opens fire inside Virginia Walmart
By Lawrence Richard | Fox News
A shooting at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia Tuesday night left at least seven people dead and others injured, according to the Chesapeake Police Dept.
A spokesperson said Chesapeake police responded to an "active shooter" call at the store located along Battlefield Blvd. at approximately 10:12 p.m. When officers arrived, they coordinated with a tactical team to enter the store, where they found multiple bodies, said Chesapeake police spokesman MPO Leo Kosinski.
The shooting happened inside the store, but police confirmed at least one body was found at its entrance, Kosinski said at a briefing.
Over 35 to 40 minutes later, officers walked throughout the store, where they found multiple dead people and rescued other victims, he added.
"It's sad. We're a couple of days before the Thanksgiving holiday," Kosinski added.
The City of Chesapeake confirmed at least seven fatalities, including the lone gunman, but said many details are pending the police investigation.
"We’re only a few hours into the response, so we don’t have all the answers yet. Chesapeake Police continue their investigation into the active shooter event at Walmart on Sam’s Circle. We do know there are multiple fatalities plus injuries and the shooter is confirmed dead," a tweet read.
Hours later, the city confirmed the number of fatalities: "Chesapeake Police confirm 7 fatalities, including the shooter, from last night's shooting at Walmart on Sam's Circle."
Police did not specify if the shooter was an employee of the store.
Walmart, Inc. also said it was "shocked" by the shooting and that it was cooperating with law enforcement efforts.
Several state and national lawmakers also addressed the shooting.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, said he was "sickened" and urged residents not to travel near the area.
"Sickened by reports of yet another mass shooting, this time at a Walmart in Chesapeake. I’ll be monitoring developments closely," Warner tweeted.
He added: "In the meantime, I urge all those in the community to listen to guidance from local law enforcement and stay away from the scene."
Rep. Elaine Lauria, D-02, tweeted: "Enough is enough."
"Praying for the victims, their families and colleagues, and the Chesapeake community tonight," she added.
Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia, called the shooting "yet another incident of senseless gun violence."
"My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones," he added.
Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas, who serves as the President Pro tempore, echoed these sentiments in a statement calling for an end to gun violence.
"I am absolutely heartbroken that America’s latest mass shooting took place in a Walmart in my district in Chesapeake, Virginia tonight. I will not rest until we find the solutions to end this gun violence epidemic in our country that has taken so many lives," Lucas said.
Photos and videos of the scene show about 40 emergency vehicles in the parking lot. Other photos show dozens of people standing just outside the store, beyond an area police have tapped off.
Police are urging people to avoid the area as they continue to sweep through the store and conduct their investigation. Members of the public who know someone who works at the store or who may have been affected are being instructed to go to the Chesapeake Conference Center, where a family reunification site has been set up.
"This site is only for immediate family members or the emergency contact of those who may have been in the building," the city said.
The Virginia shooting comes a mere three days after a shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado left five dead and 17 wounded.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by deebakes
