Virginia Senator L Louis Lucas expressed her grief
over the mass shooting at a Walmart in Chesapeake on Tuesday, November 22. “I
am absolutely heartbroken that America’s latest mass shooting took place in Walmart
in my district in Chesapeake, Virginia tonight. I will not rest until we find
solutions to end this gun violence epidemic in our country that has taken so
many lives,” she tweeted.

Initial reports say nearly 10 people died in the shooting,
including the gunman, police say.  Five patients are reportedly being treated at the Sentara General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. 

The shooter, who died in the incident, is said to either an employee or a former employee of the store. It is believed the shooter at some point turned the gun on himself, CNN reported. 

Walmart issued a statement saying: “We are shocked at this tragic event. We are praying for those impacted, the community and our associates. We’re working closely with law enforcement, and we are focused on supporting our associates.” 

Also Read | Chesapeake mass shooting: Walmart says ‘shocked at tragic event’

Chesapeake city officials have asked people to stay away from the store. “Our first responders are well-trained and prepared to respond, please give them space to do so,” authorities tweeted. 

The Washington DC field office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting local police in the investigation. 

Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, tweeted: “Sickened by reports of yet another mass shooting, this time at a Walmart in Chesapeake. I’ll be monitoring developments closely.”

“In the meantime, I urge all those in the community to listen to guidance from local law enforcement and stay away from the scene,” wrote Warner. 

Also Read | Chesapeake Walmart mass shooting brings back 2019 El Paso memories

Pictures on social media showed heavy police presence at the scene. 

In 2019, a mass shooting at a Walmart in the city of El Paso in Texas left 23 people dead.