Categories: Politics

Virginia Beach shooting: What we know

At least 12 people have been killed.

At least 12 people have been killed in a mass shooting at a municipal center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, police confirmed Friday.

Police have identified one shooter, who died after a firefight with police. Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera described him as a city public utilities employee.

“Today is Virginia Beach’s darkest hour,” Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said Friday night at a press conference.

This story is still developing. Here’s what we know so far, and what we don’t.

What we know

Shortly after 4 pm local time, the gunman entered Building 2 of the Municipal Center, which houses public works, among other departments. The shooter began to “indiscriminately fire upon all the victims,” Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said at a press conference Friday evening.

Javier Zarracina/Vox

At least 12 people are dead and at least four people are injured after the gunman opened fire. Police found victims on three floors of the building, and one victim outside the complex. At least one of the injured was a police officer, who was saved by his bullet-proof vest, according to police.
The suspect engaged police in “a long gun battle,” Chief James Cervera said Friday night at an additional press conference. Cervera said these officers “stopped this individual from committing more carnage.”
The suspect died after the shootout with police officers. Cervera identified the suspect as a longtime public utilities employee.
The suspect was armed with a .45 caliber handgun with a suppressor and extended magazines.
Police said the scene is secure but the investigation is ongoing. The FBI and Virginia state police forensics units are assisting.
“We have more questions, really, than we have answers,” Cervera said Friday evening, calling this a “devastating incident.”