12 people are dead, 6 people are injured, and the gunman was killed in a mass shooting that happened this afternoon at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.

The Virginian-Pilot reports:

A longtime city employee shot and killed 11 people and injured six others after opening fire late Friday afternoon in the public works building where he worked, police said. The man was then killed by officers after firing at them. One officer was shot during the exchange, but was saved by his bulletproof vest, Police Chief James Cervera said during a news conference a couple of hours after the incident. “This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach,” Mayor Bobby Dyer said as he opened up the news conference. “The people involved are our friends, co-workers, neighbors and colleagues.” […] The gunfire began shortly after 4 p.m., just as workers were wrapping up their day and preparing to leave for the weekend. The Operations building where it occurred is next to City Hall and houses the planning, public utilities, public works departments, among others.

BREAKING VIDEO: Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer on mass shooting: “This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach” pic.twitter.com/2L0yQk6XdH — News Breaking LIVE (@NewsBreaking) May 31, 2019



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The majority of police activity is focused on building 2 at the center. .@TamaraScottWAVY spoke with an employee that escaped the building. He says on their way out they saw a woman who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound. #VBActiveShooter https://t.co/VYth6Wr64z pic.twitter.com/BK68updzAP — WAVY TV 10 (@WAVY_News) May 31, 2019

Governor Ralph Northam is among many Virginia elected officials who have issued statements:

Senator Mark Warner:

I am closely monitoring the situation in Virginia Beach. Praying for all involved as we learn more. — Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) May 31, 2019

Senator Tim Kaine:

I’m devastated to learn of the tragic shooting tonight in Virginia Beach. My heart is with everyone who lost a loved one, and I’m praying for a swift recovery for all those who have been injured. — Tim Kaine (@timkaine) May 31, 2019

Please keep the victims and their families, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers tonight.

This is a developing story.

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—Based in North Carolina, Sister Toldjah is a former liberal and a 15+ year veteran of blogging with an emphasis on media bias, social issues, and the culture wars. Read her Red State archives here. Connect with her on Twitter.–