Twelve people were killed and six were injured when a man opened fire at Virginia Beach Municipal Center on Friday.
The suspect, whom the Wall Street Journal identified as 40-year-old DeWayne Craddock, was shot and killed by police. Craddock had purchased multiple firearms in recent weeks, officials said.
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“This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach,” Mayor Bobby Dyer said. “The people involved are our friends, coworkers, neighbors and colleagues.”
The shooting began after 4 p.m. when the suspect “began to indiscriminately fire upon all the victims,” Virginia Beach Police Chief Jim Cervera said. The gunman was a public utilities employee, he said.
An officer was shot when police confronted the suspect and returned shots.
“He was saved by his vest,” Cervera said of the officer.
Cervera did not disclose a possible motive.
“Right now we have more questions really than we have answers,” he said.
President Trump was briefed on the shooting and is monitoring the situation, White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said.
“My heart breaks for the victims of this devastating shooting,” Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Friday evening as he traveled to Virginia Beach.
This is a tragic day for Virginia Beach and our entire Commonwealth. My heart breaks for the victims of this devastating shooting, their families, and all who loved them. I am on my way to Virginia Beach now and will be there within the hour.
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) May 31, 2019
Other Virginia lawmakers also offered their condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
As we mourn this tragedy in our Commonwealth, I want Virginians to know that I will keep pushing for Congress to take action to prevent the daily scourge of gun violence in America.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) June 1, 2019
I am closely monitoring the situation in Virginia Beach. Praying for all involved as we learn more.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) May 31, 2019
