More than 12 people have been killed and 4 injured in a mass shooting spree at a Government building in Virginia, a South-Western State in the United States (U.S.).
Craddock, 40 years old, was later killed in a combat with the police. He worked as a certified professional engineer for the city of Virginia Beach in the Public Utilities Department. His was the Point of Contact for information on local road projects.
The shooter, identified as DeWayne Craddock, opened fire indiscriminately at 16:00 hrs. local time (20:00 GMT), and went through all the 3 floors in Building No.2 at Virginia Beach Municipal Center.
Edward Weeden, who works in the same building, told that people heard noise of someone falling from the staircase. When he and his co-workers went to inquire the matter, they saw a woman who had blood d all over her face. As a safety measure, people in the building hid themselves under their desk
The Police discovered a pistol and a rifle at the scene which might have been used in the shooting. It is assumed that the shooter bought the weapons legally. The Virginia Beach Police Chief – James Cervera confirmed that a .45 caliber pistol, a supressor and several empty, higher-capacity magazines were found at the site.
White House Spokesman – Hogan Gidley said the President of U.S. – Donald Trump has been informed about the incident. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also been involved and has sent a forensics team to help the local authorities.
Senior U.S. Senator from Virginia – Mark Warner said, “Praying for all involved as we learn more.”
Expressing grief, the Mayor of Virginia Beach – Bobby Dyer said, “This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach. The people involved are our friends, co-workers, neighbour, colleagues.”
This is one of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. since November 2018, where 12 people were shot at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. The gunman, Ian David Long, shot an unarmed security guard outside the bar, went in and started killing people.
In all, as per the data available with US. tracking website, Gun Violence Archive, there have been 150 mass shooting attack in the U.S. in 2019. The total count of people killed is 5,764 and those injured is 11,060 injured.
The US House of Representatives has approved 2 bills in February 2019, tightening the rules for background check of the gun purchaser. However, the legislation faced opposition from the Republican-controlled Senate and the White House. Although Donald Trump says he supports stronger background checks, but so far he hasn’t not done much on gun control legislation.
