CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — It’s been two years since a disgruntled supervisor at a Walmart in Chesapeake killed six people and injured even more.
On Nov. 22, 2022, six Walmart employees were gunned down during a mass shooting that rattled the community. Several others were injured. The gunman, a Walmart supervisor, took his own life before he could be confronted by police. The tragedy took place at the Chesapeake Walmart Supercenter on Sam’s Circle, off of Battlefield Boulevard.
The six employees killed were: Brian Pendleton, Kellie Pyle, Lorenzo Gamble, Randy Blevins, Tyneka Johnson and Fernando Chavez-Barron.
Mayor Rick West reflected, saying the city is moving forward since the tragic mass shooting.
“I just like to say it’s a sad day to think back on,” West said. “And we certainly feel for the families. And we made a commitment that day that we would never forget and we will not forget, but we will move on and we will be strong.”
West believes the city responded well, given the time period.
“Well, I think we sort of already knew that this could happen at any place,” West said. “I mean, it’s obvious if you look back at the number of shootings that have taken place in this country over the last five years, no locality, no city is immune. So, we were prepared, I think, for that incident. We responded well. I think the city and city public safety and everyone in the city did a great job in terms of responding. But I mean, it is what it is and it was horrible.”
Following the shooting, many people filed lawsuits against Walmart for negligence.
West thinks as the holidays approach, the focus on the tragic day fades away.
“Well, I think like everything else, unfortunately, as time goes by, the pain goes away,” West said. “And sometimes, we even forget what happened. So I don’t think it’s honestly — unless you’re a victim, a family member — there’s a whole lot of thought going into, this is a special day. I think most people are focusing on Thanksgiving, family, thankful for what they have, and that’s about it.”
A Walmart spokesperson gave the following statement regarding the anniversary:
“The anniversary of November 22, 2022, is a sad day for our Walmart Chesapeake store (#1841) associates, the families of the victims and the Hampton Roads community. We continue to support our associates, and they will have a private moment of remembrance to reflect on this tragic anniversary.”
The shooter had left a manifesto on his phone before taking his own life and was found dead by police.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.