VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Seven people were shot during what police described as an impromptu "car meet-up" at the KempsRiver Crossing shopping center in Virginia Beach Sunday night, police said Monday.
Police are still looking for the suspects, and they say they currently don't know how many people fired shots.
Officers were trying to disperse the group just before 9 p.m. when shots were fired in the area. Police say a struggle over a gun led to the shootings.
"This is the second time in two weeks that we have experienced a large-scale shooting offense with multiple victims that originated from individuals “open carrying” firearms,” said Chief Paul W. Neudigate. “The open carrying of firearms has strong opinions on both sides, but what I can offer is that in both incidents individuals made themselves easy, identifiable targets for those wishing to deprive them of their weapons, and as a result we once again have a tragic, preventable outcome.”
“This has got to stop,” Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said, referencing the recent incidents involving gunfire at large gatherings.
Jenifer Marple, who works at Heaven and Earth Bookstore in the shopping center, said the violence was unexpected for the area.
“It seems to be amping up,” Marple said. “We’ve had a few incidents, but nothing at this level, so it was kind of shocking. It’s usually a very peaceful, very busy, very quiet shopping center.”
Marple said the store was closed Sunday night but that she is thinking about the victims and their families.
“I do pray for the victims and their families,” she said.
One of the victims is in critical condition as of Monday at 4 p.m.; the others were not seriously hurt. Police did not identify them, but said they are between ages 20-24 and live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
The city has set up a portal for submitting information related to this incident, which you can access here.
