Police Chief James Cervera confirmed the number of deaths and that the shooter, who worked for a public utility company, was also killed. Another six people were hospitalized. The courthouse was locked with emergency services and armed police on site.
One woman wrote on Twitter: “There’s an active shooter situation right now and all the cops in Virginia Beach are flying down Nimmo Parkway. There is an officer who is currently being shot dead on George Mason at the Post Office.
“There’s still a gunman shooting through a door on the third floor. I’m assuming these are the apartments behind Harris Teeter by the courthouse.
“Several shooting victims in the area.”
She added, “SWAT has just arrived and was trying to secure the area.
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“Apparently this shooter has multiple casualties and is still shooting.”
The woman described seeing police cars speeding up to get to the location.
She claims that emergency services continue to sweep the area to remove any potential hazards.
But in more detail, the Twitter user said that a man suffered a gunshot wound in the face.
She added: “Hidden multiple times in stairwells.
“Officers are still rushing to the scene.”
Meanwhile, Virginia Beach Police tweeted, “ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION – Community Center, Building 2. Multiple injuries. Only 1 shooter is currently believed to have been taken into custody. More will follow.”
You have also seen people come out of the building crying and holding each other.