A mass shooting took place at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Tuesday night. The suspect was one of the store’s employees who committed the crime and afterward, he turned the gun on himself.
Chesapeake Police Chief Mark Solesky confirmed to APNews this Wednesday morning that a male employee of the department used a pistol during the attack. Four other people were hospitalized as well.
The individual’s location is currently unknown, but as a result of the SWAT team’s search at his home, the police believe there is “no risk to the public at this time.”
The employee has not been identified. Officials say they have yet to contact his family. Prior to the shooting, he was not familiar with law enforcement. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officers said.
For the time being, police will still be processing the scene to gather evidence. The investigation is still ongoing and will continue until everything is resolved.
Chesapeake police said that they responded to an “active shooter” call at the store located along Battlefield Blvd. at approximately 10:12 PM. Police found multiple bodies when they arrived at the location of the crime. The police confirmed that they found one body at the entrance of the store.
Police officers then went through the store over a period of around 30 to 40 minutes. This is when they found multiple people dead and rescued other victims that were still hiding in the store.
The City of Chesapeake is still collecting death tolls as they investigate the incident in which at least seven fatalities were confirmed, including the lone gunman. More information will be released pending their investigation.
Walmart, Inc. released a statement saying it was “shocked” by the shooting and that it is cooperating with law enforcement efforts.
As soon as the news broke, President Biden called for further gun reform in a statement and remarked this incident was “senseless.”
Mr. President added, “Thanksgiving is one of our most cherished American holidays when we get a chance to spend time with our loved ones and count our blessings. Unfortunately, with another tragic and senseless act of violence, there are now even more families that will have empty seats this Thanksgiving. There are now more people who know the worst kind of pain imaginable”.
Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas (President Pro tempore) echoed these sentiments in a statement. “We need to end gun violence.”
Senator Louise added, “earlier today, America experienced another mass shooting in a Walmart in my district of Chesapeake, Virginia. I am absolutely brokenhearted by this tragedy and will continue to search for solutions so that we may end this gun violence epidemic.”
This shooting incident took place only after three days of shooting at a Gay Club in Colorado. The Colorado incident had five casualties, and over 17 others were injured.
The increase in gun violence is becoming an alarming concern for the entire country. Earlier this year, Mr. President launched some new rules, but it seems like those initiatives are not enough, and some harsh steps should be taken.
