A Walmart employee killed six people and wounded several others before fatally shooting himself at a store in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Tuesday night, authorities said, just days after a gunman killed five and injured 17 at a Colorado LGBTQ+ nightclub.
The shooter, who has not been identified, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Chesapeake Police Chief Mark Solesky said at a news conference on Wednesday.
Six other people were confirmed dead and four were being treated at area hospitals, Solesky said.
The shooter used a pistol and was an employee of the Walmart where the shooting took place, Solesky said.
Tuesday's bloodshed was the latest episode of gun violence in the United States which has fueled debate over tighter restrictions on access to guns.
Walmart said in a statement early Wednesday that it was "shocked" at the violence and that it was working closely with law enforcement.
"Sickened by reports of yet another mass shooting, this time at a Walmart in Chesapeake. I'll be monitoring developments closely," Virginia senator Mark Warner tweeted on Wednesday.
We are shocked at this tragic event at our Chesapeake, Virginia store. We’re praying for those impacted, the community and our associates. We’re working closely with law enforcement, and we are focused on supporting our associates.
— Walmart Inc. (@WalmartInc) November 23, 2022
The Washington, DC, field office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is assisting local police in the investigation, the bureau tweeted.
Chesapeake Police confirm an active shooter incident with fatalities at the Walmart on Sam’s Circle. The shooter is deceased. Follow us here for the only official updates. Our first responders are well-trained and prepared to respond; please give them space to do so.
— City of Chesapeake (@AboutChesapeake) November 23, 2022
Virginia state Senator Louise Lucas turned to social media in response to the events of the evening.
I am absolutely heartbroken that America’s latest mass shooting took place in a Walmart in my district in Chesapeake, Virginia tonight. I will not rest until we find the solutions to end this gun violence epidemic in our country that has taken so many lives.
— L. Louise Lucas (@SenLouiseLucas) November 23, 2022