Several people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia on Tuesday night.
The Chesapeake Police Department responded to an “active shooter” call at the Battlefield Boulevard store at approximately 10:12 p.m. Upon arrival, they coordinated with a tactical team to enter the store, where multiple bodies were found, according to Chesapeake police spokesman Leo Kosinski.
He said the number of fatalities was “less than 10, right now” after the shooting took place inside the store. Police have not yet provided information concerning the number of people who were affected.
After 35 to 40 minutes, officers found multiple dead people and rescued other victims from the store, he said.
At a news conference, Kosinski said one body was found outside the store.
“It’s sad. The Thanksgiving holiday is just a few days away,” Kosinski said.
In addition, police believe the lone shooter is dead. A spokesperson did not specify whether the shooter worked at the store.
Chesapeake confirmed “multiple fatalities,” but said many details are still pending police investigation.
“The response is still in its infancy, so we don’t have all the answers yet. Chesapeake Police continue to investigate the active shooter incident at Walmart on Sam’s Circle. “We do know there are multiple deaths plus injuries, and the shooter is confirmed dead,” said a tweet.
Louise Lucas, a state senator in Virginia, called for an end to gun violence in response to the shooting.
“I am heartbroken that the latest mass shooting occurred in my district in Chesapeake, Virginia tonight, and I will not rest until we find a solution to end this gun violence epidemic in our country that has claimed so many lives,” Lucas said.
Some photos and videos showing the scene show about 40 emergency vehicles in the parking lot, while others show dozens of people outside the store.
In order to protect the public, police are asking people to avoid the area while they sweep through the store and conduct their investigation. Anyone who knows someone who works at the store or may have been affected should go to the Chesapeake Conference Center.
Three days ago, five people were killed and 17 injured in a shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs.