Eleven people have died after a long time, disgruntled city worker opened fire near his office in a devastating shooting at Virginia Beach municipal center that has also injured six others, including a police officer, before cops fatally shot the gunman.
Five patients were being treated at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and a sixth was being transferred to the Trauma Center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Healthcare tweeted.
Sources had told WAVY the injured officer is expected to survive and police chief Jim Cevera confirmed he was saved by his bulletproof vest.
An emotional Cevera said the shooter was a 'longterm, current' city of Virginia Beach public utilities employee. He did not reveal the gunman's identity.
He added: 'There's no way to describe an incident such as this.'
Mayor Bobby Dyer said: 'This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach. The people involved are our friends, coworkers, neighbors and colleagues.'
The gunman has been named as DeWayne Craddock, 40, by The Wall Street Journal. Craddock reportedly bought multiple firearms in recent weeks, reports say.
At least two of those injured are currently being treated at hospital, according to reports
Images from the scene show a heavy police presence and workers crying and comforting one another as they are evacuated from the building
Police entered the building and got out as many employees as they could, then exchanged fire with the suspect, who was killed, the chief said
The shooting sent shock waves through Virginia Beach, the state’s largest city and a popular vacation spot in southeastern Virginia
The shooter opened fire in Building 2 of the municipal center, which is adjacent to City Hall. The building houses the city's public works, public utilities and planning departments, according to City Councilwoman Barbara Henley, who arrived at City Hall building about 4 p.m. Friday just after the shooting.
Virginia Beach PD had tweeted: 'ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION-municipal center, building 2. Multiple injuries. At this time it is believed that only 1 shooter, and they have been taken into custody. More to follow.
'Please avoid the municipal center area. PAO staging area is being
