7 Dead, Including Suspect, in Virginia Walmart Shooting After Employee Opens Fire

An unnamed shooter is suspected of killing six people and injuring four others in a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia.

“Chesapeake Police confirm 7 fatalities, including the shooter, from last night’s shooting at Walmart on Sam’s Circle,” the City of Chesapeake said in a Twitter post on Wednesday morning.

“We’re only a few hours into the response, so we don’t have all the answers yet,” City authorities stated in an earlier tweet. “Chesapeake Policecontinue their investigationinto the active shooter event at Walmart on Sam’s Circle. We do know there are multiple fatalities plus injuries and the shooter is confirmed dead.”

A family reunification site was set up at the Chesapeake Conference Center, authorities added Wednesday. “This site is only for immediate family members or the emergency contact of those who may have been in the building,” they continued in a tweet.

Mass Shooting at Chesapeake, Virginia Walmart.Zach D Roberts/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Earlier, Chesapeake Police Department Officer Leo Kosinski had told reporters that the number of fatalities in the tragic incident was believed to be “less than 10.”

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“It’s sad. We’re a couple days before the Thanksgiving holiday,” Kosinski, added. “It’s just a bad time all around, just for everybody involved — especially the victims. This is horrible.”

Mass Shooting At Chesapeake, Virginia Walmart.Zach D Roberts/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

The people injured in the shooting are currently being treated at Sentara General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. The status of their health and thenature of their injuriesis currently unknown, according to authorities.

Mass Shooting at Chesapeake, Virginia Walmart.Uncredited/AP/Shutterstock

In Wednesday’s news conference, Chesapeake Police Chief Mark Solesky said that the threat has been contained. “There is no risk to the public at this time,' he said.

Zach D Roberts/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

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“We are shocked at this tragic event at our Chesapeake, Virginia store,” a company spokesperson said in a statement, per NBC News and CNN. “We’re praying for those impacted, the community and our associates. We’re working closely with law enforcement, and we are focused on supporting our associates.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ishelping local policewith the investigation, the Washington D.C. office of the bureau revealed on Twitter.

source: people.com