A disgruntled Walmart employee opened fire Tuesday night at a Virginia store, killing at least six people before taking his own life, police said.
The shooting at the Walmart Supercenter was reported to police at 10:12 p.m., Chesapeake Police Department Chief Mark Solesky told reporters at a Wednesday morning news conference. Officers arrived two minutes later and entered the store two minutes after that, at 10:16 p.m., Solesky said. Police declared the scene safe a little over an hour later.
The police chief said the shooter was an employee of the store and died from what authorities suspect was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A motive has not yet been determined, Solesky said.
As of Wednesday morning, police had not yet released the identity of the shooter. Solesky said the shooter's relatives had not yet been notified of their death. He said officials executed a search warrant at the suspect's home.
Authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public, Solesky added.
Police believe the shooting happened inside the Walmart. One person was found deceased outside the store, Chesapeake Police Department public information officer Leo Kosinski said.
In addition to the six victims, another four people are in local hospitals, Solesky said. Information on their conditions was not immediately available.
Authorities could not confirm whether any of those victims were employees of the store.
Earlier, a spokesperson for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital said the hospital was treating five victims.
"Our hearts break with the community of Chesapeake this morning," Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a tweet Wednesday morning. "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."
“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 Wednesday morning. “My prayers are with all those affected — the victims, their family, their friends, and their coworkers,” he said, thanking first responders for their “quick actions.”
“Chesapeake is a tightknit community and we are all shaken by this news. Together, we will support each other throughout this time. Please keep us in your prayers,” said West, who recently tested positive for Covid, officials said at the Wednesday morning news conference.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., tweeted: “Sickened by reports of yet another mass shooting, this time at a Walmart in Chesapeake. I’ll be monitoring developments closely.”
A reunification site was set up at the Chesapeake Conference Center for immediate family members or emergency contacts, the city said.
Walmart said that its thoughts were with everyone affected, and that it was fully cooperating with law enforcement and supporting its employees.
“We are shocked at this tragic event at our Chesapeake, Virginia store,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “We’re praying for those impacted, the community and our associates.”
The store will remain closed while officials investigate, Solesky said.
