What we know about the Virginia Walmart shooting
- Six people were killed Tuesday night at a Walmart store in Chesapeake, Virginia. At least six others were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
- The shooter died from what authorities believe is a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Officials have not determined a motive, but a senior law enforcement official told NBC News the suspect was a disgruntled employee.
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Victims killed in Walmart shooting identified
The city of Chesapeake, Virginia, on Wednesday released the names of five of the six victims killed in Tuesday’s shooting at a Walmart store, and asked for prayers.
Those killed were Lorenzo Gamble, 43; Brian Pendleton, 38; Kellie Pyle, 52; Randall Blevins, 70; and Tyneka Johnson, 22; officials said.
A 16-year-old was also killed, but his name was not released because he was a minor.
“Please join us in praying for the family and friends of these community members who we have lost,” the statement said.
Walmart sets up resource center for workers, families after shooting
Walmart has set up an associate resource center for employees and their families in the wake of a shooting at a supercenter in Chesapeake, Virginia, the city said Wednesday.
It is planned to be open for two weeks, and will provide counseling, as well as meals and a place to gather, the city said in an update on its website.
A Walmart employee opened fire at the store around 10 p.m. Tuesday, killing six people before apparently killing himself. At least six others were injured. The store is closed as police continue to investigate and collect evidence, the police department said.
“Investigators are actively working to learn more about the suspect’s background and what may have motivated the shooting,” Chesapeake police said in a statement.
At least 50 people were in the Walmart at the time of the shooting, police say
At least 50 people were inside the Walmart store in Chesapeake when a 31-year-old employee opened fire, killing at least six people, police said in a news release Wednesday afternoon.
"Police are still trying to account for anyone who may have been at the store and witnessed the incident, but fled prior to police arrival," officials said.
The police department encouraged anyone with information to call the FBI hotline: 1-800-CALLFBI.
At a Walmart nearby, tears and a plea from a manager to speak up
Jasmine Copeland works at a Walmart about 15 minutes away in Virginia Beach. Copeland, who uses they/them pronouns, said their store manager held a team meeting this morning to talk about the Chesapeake store shooting. With tears in his eyes, the manager urged anyone who was struggling with anything related to work to speak up, Copeland said.
“He kept reiterating that we’re a family,” Copeland, 22, said. “He was like, ‘If you’re going to take anyone out, take me out. But please, talk to someone. None of us want to come in here and work. It’s Walmart. No one’s aspirations are Walmart. But nothing is ever so serious to take lives.”
Copeland has worked at Walmart for two years and said they didn't know the gunman or any of the victims at the Chesapeake store. Nonetheless, they said, they and other employees at their store felt rattled. Some told Copeland they didn't sleep all night.
"The mood is somber," Copeland said. "It's heart-wrenching."
Biden calls Virginia governor to offer support
President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday afternoon to "offer his support and any federal assistance" after the mass shooting in Chesapeake, the White House said.
Homeland Security chief laments 'senseless loss of life' in Cheasepeake
"Today we mourn the tragic and senseless loss of life in Chesapeake, Virginia," Secretary of Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "We are sending strength to the families and loved ones of those affected."
"We have seen too many acts of violence across our country," he said. "Whatever the motive – whether personal grievance, an ideology of hate, or other evil motive – communities continue to be victimized and made to feel unsafe."
He added that his department would continue to "devote every available resource to combat all forms of targeted violence."
Walmart shooter identified as Andre Bing, 31
The city of Chesapeake on Wednesday afternoon identified the Walmart gunman as 31-year-old Andre Bing.
"We are still communicating with the victims’ families and will release their information as soon as possible," the city said in a tweet. "We can confirm that the shooter was 31-year-old Andre Bing of Chesapeake. He was armed with one handgun and had multiple magazines on his person."
In a statement, a Walmart spokesman confirmed that Bing was a store associate.
"Andre’s position with the company was overnight team lead and he’s been employed with us since 2010," the spokesman said.
Graphic: A sharp increase in active-shooter incidents
Chesapeake shooting 'hit our Walmart family hard,' CEO says
"The devastating news of last night’s shooting at our Chesapeake, VA store at the hands of one of our associates has hit our Walmart family hard," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a Facebook post Wednesday.
"My heart hurts for our associates and the Chesapeake community who have lost or injured loved ones. We are here for them today and in the challenging days ahead they will have our support," he said.
McMillon thanked store associates, first responders and local officials.
Walmart has more than 1,000 locations in Virginia and employs over 45,00 store associates in the state, according to the company's website.