At least 11 people were killed and six others injured in a shooting at a municipal center in Virginia Beach on Friday afternoon, the police said.
Chief James Cervera said the gunman, who was a current city employee, was dead but it was not clear how he died.
“This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach,” Mayor Robert M. Dyer said at an evening news conference.
One of those injured was a police officer, who was saved by his bulletproof vest, Chief Cervera said.
Dale T. Gauding, a spokesman for Sentara Healthcare, said five patients were taken to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.
One patient at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital was being picked up by helicopter and transferred to a trauma center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, he said. Details on their conditions were not immediately available.
The shooting happened at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, a campus of city offices and agencies, including the Police Department. The shooting happened in Building No. 2, which includes offices for planning and public works, among others, and is adjacent to City Hall.
A city councilwoman, Barbara Henley, told The Virginian-Pilot that she was pulling up to City Hall, when she heard police sirens and saw police cars.
“I thought it was an accident,” Ms. Henley said.
She said she learned there had been a shooting and heard a male voice shout, “Get down!”
People scattered.
“I was scared to death,” she said.
Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia said on Twitter: “My team and I are actively monitoring the situation in Virginia Beach. Please stay away from the area and follow all instructions from law enforcement.”