Overview
On May 31, 2019, a mass shooting occurred at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in the Princess Anne area of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The attack unfolded inside a city office complex and resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians; five additional people were injured. Law enforcement engaged the shooter and he was killed during the response.
Location and timeline
The shooting took place in Building 2 of the municipal complex, a facility that houses departments such as public works, utilities and city planning. According to reports, the incident began in the afternoon and was concentrated within workspaces used by city employees. First responders arrived quickly, encountered an armed assailant and exchanged gunfire, ending the attack.
Perpetrator and weapons
Authorities identified the shooter as DeWayne Craddock, a 40-year-old city employee who worked in public utilities. Media and official statements indicated he had recently been dismissed from his position; investigators continued to examine motive as part of the inquiry. At the scene, officers recovered a semi-automatic pistol and a rifle.
Casualties, victims and immediate response
- Fatalities: 12 civilians were confirmed dead.
- Injuries: Five people were wounded and transported to hospitals.
- Shooter: DeWayne Craddock was killed by police in the confrontation.
Local authorities secured the area, provided medical aid to victims and notified families. The scale of the losses prompted statements of condolence from state officials and community leaders.
Investigation and aftermath
City, county and federal investigators conducted on‑site evidence collection and interviews to reconstruct the sequence of events and to determine motive. The municipal government reviewed workplace policies and security procedures in the wake of the attack. The incident also renewed public debate about workplace violence prevention, building security and firearm access in the region.
Notable reactions and coverage
State officials issued public condolences and called for support for victims and first responders. Governor Ralph Northam released a public message, and his office posted statements on social channels and official pages; one such message was shared on social media platforms by his administration noting the state's response. Local media and national outlets provided ongoing coverage; a variety of sources summarized details about the scene and the victims in local reporting and about the confirmed casualty figures in casualty reports. Official updates addressed evidence recovered, including the firearms found at the scene and forensic findings, and directed the public to statements from the governor's office for further information.
The 2019 Virginia Beach municipal building shooting remains a significant event in the city's recent history, highlighting issues of workplace safety, emergency response coordination and community recovery after mass violence.