Friday Attack by Recently Fired Virginia Employee

On Friday afternoon, former Utilities Engineer DeWayne Craddock, 40, attacked his former coworkers. The shooting took place at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Police responded and eventually shot the assailant after exchanging fire. Four were injured and a Police Officer was shot but was saved by his bullet-proof vest.

“The American people share the grief of the entire Virginia Beach community.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Ca

Craddock used a .45 handgun with multiple extended-capacity clips and a silencer. Multiple employees were hiding inside the complex and took a while to come out. Mayor Bobby Dyer said “This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach…” . It is believed that Friday’s rampage is the worst mass killing in Virginia Beach’s history.

Path of Destruction

Craddock shot one victim outside in the lot before entering the building. Police found victims on every floor of the building. He engaged with four Officers in a long gunfight and was eventually shot. The Officers then administered first aid to the suspect.

Police Chief James Cervera said the city offices now resemble a “war zone.” Megan Banton, an administrative assistant, called 911. “It felt like forever”, Banton said. It took about 10 minutes for the police to arrive. Officers with SWAT team members escorted employees out and checked every room.

Governor’s Reaction

Governor Ralph Northam arrived in Virginia Beach a few hours after the shooting. He said that the people who died were heading into the summer weekend. “That they should be taken in this manner is the worst kind of tragedy,” Northam said. “Their families are facing painful loss and grief. They each leave a hole and a family in their neighborhood, in this community and in our Commonwealth.”

President Trump tweeted his condolences and a little encouragement : “Spoke to Virginia Governor @RalphNortham last night, and the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Virginia Beach this morning, to offer condolences to that great community. The Federal Government is there, and will be, for whatever they may need. God bless the families and all! “

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also chimed in: “The American people share the grief of the entire Virginia Beach community.” Then she began to pitch for further gun control. She asked for the Senate to take up “commonsense, bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation”.

UPDATE:

The gunman who shot 12 people dead at a Virginia Beach municipal building had been facing disciplinary action for a violent fight at work, according to a report.