CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – Chesapeake Police say the suspect behind a mass shooting at a Walmart just off Battlefield Blvd. is dead.
It is still unclear how many people were killed or injured in the shooting, but police said there were several inside the building, where the shooting occurred. One person died in front of the main entrance.
A police spokesman didn’t have many updates during a briefing around 12:40 a.m., but previously said police believed “less than 10” people were dead.
Police are still going through the building and people are being asked to stay away. The call reporting the shooting came in at 10:12 p.m. Tuesday. The Walmart supercenter was open to the public at the time.
Police were unable to confirm information about the identity of the shooter, but police said the person was deceased.
There is still a massive police response outside the store, with over 40 emergency vehicles outside. Virginia Beach police responded to help Chesapeake. The ATF in Washington tweeted just after midnight that they were also on their way to help with the investigation.
The WAVY team is restricted from approaching the store at this time. Police are also urging the public to stay away. If you’re looking for information or a loved one who works or was at the store, head to the Chesapeake Conference Center.
Employees also met at nearby Sam’s Club, where attendance was taken. A night shift worker who spoke with WAVY’s Brett Hall said “Thank God I arrived late.”
Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas, who represents that part of Chesapeake, shared a statement Tuesday evening, saying, “I am absolutely heartbroken that the last American mass shooting took place at a Walmart in my district in Chesapeake. , Virginia, tonight. I will not rest until we find the solutions to end this epidemic of gun violence in our country that has claimed so many lives.
Several other Virginia elected officials shared tweets and other statements early Wednesday morning:
This is a breaking article and will be updated.