At least 11 people are dead and six hospitalized after a shooting in Virginia Beach

At least 11 people are dead and six hospitalized after a shooting in Virginia Beach, authoritiets said Friday. The gunman, who was also killed, was a long-time employee.

Police said the incident happened inside the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shortly after 4 p.m. local time.

“There’s no way to describe an incident such as this,” Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said in a news conference Friday.

“This day will not define Virginia Beach”

Virginia Beach Councilman Aaron Rouse sent a message of unity on Friday, saying the violence would not be defined by the tragedy.

“We will determine, going forward today, how we respond to our city. We will come together. We will show the strength of our city,” Rouse said at a news conference alongside local police.

Police say 11 dead, 6 hospitalized

At least 11 people were killed and six others were hospitalized after the shooting Friday, police said. They said the gunman, who was an employee at the building, was also killed.

A local police officer was wounded while confronting the shooter. Chief James Cervera said the officer was saved by his bullet-proof vest and pledged to visit the wounded officer by the end of the night.

Worker describes shooting scene

Administrative assistant Megan Banton was in Building 2 when the shooting occurred. She spoke with WTKR about her experience.

“I have an 11-month old baby at home and all I could think about was him and trying to make it home to him,” Branton said.

ATF and FBI assisting local authorities

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Federal Bureau of Investigation said they will be assisting local authorities with the investigation.

6 transported to local hospital

Five of the injured were transported to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and one person was transported to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, WTKR reported. According to a Sentara spokesperson, the patient at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital is being air lifted to a trauma center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

The extent of the injuries are currently unclear.

Workers leave locked down building

WTKR reporter Kofo Lasaki reports that people appear to be leaving one of the buildings at the scene that was on lockdown. It’s unclear which building is being evacuated.

Where the shooting took place

The incident happened at Building 2 in the 2400 block of Courthouse Drive. WTKR reported that the building houses operations, public utilities and public works for the city. It is located in Virginia Beach’s sprawling Municipal Center.

1 suspect taken into custody

Virginia Beach police said one person was taken into custody after multiple people were injured in the shooting. They also advised the public to avoid the area.

Written by The Millennial TV