Virginia lawmakers respond to shooting: ‘My heart breaks for … our entire commonwealth’

Virginia lawmakers mourned the victims of a shooting in Virginia Beach that killed 11 and injured six people Friday.

The shooting occurred about 4 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Municipal Building when a “longtime employee of public utilities” began to “indiscriminately fire upon all the victims,” according to Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervara.

“This is a tragic day for Virginia Beach and our entire Commonwealth. My heart breaks for the victims of this devastating shooting, their families, and all who loved them. I am on my way to Virginia Beach now and will be there within the hour,” Gov. Ralph Northam (D) tweeted.

This is a tragic day for Virginia Beach and our entire Commonwealth. My heart breaks for the victims of this devastating shooting, their families, and all who loved them. I am on my way to Virginia Beach now and will be there within the hour.

— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) May 31, 2019

“I’m devastated to learn of the tragic shooting tonight in Virginia Beach. My heart is with everyone who lost a loved one, and I’m praying for a swift recovery for all those who have been injured,” Sen. Tim Kaine (D) echoed.

I’m devastated to learn of the tragic shooting tonight in Virginia Beach. My heart is with everyone who lost a loved one, and I’m praying for a swift recovery for all those who have been injured.

— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) May 31, 2019

“I am closely monitoring the situation in Virginia Beach. Praying for all involved as we learn more,” Sen. Mark Warner (D) said.

I am closely monitoring the situation in Virginia Beach. Praying for all involved as we learn more.

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) May 31, 2019

“I am praying for all those affected by this shooting and heart broken that once again a shooting has devastated the Commonwealth,” Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D) tweeted.

I am praying for all those affected by this shooting and heart broken that once again a shooting has devastated the Commonwealth. https://t.co/O9s0hC0pbO

— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) May 31, 2019

“My heart is with all those injured & affected by today’s shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. I’m so thankful for first responders & law enforcement for risking their lives to bring a suspect into custody. This is more proof Congress must act to prevent gun violence,” Rep. Elaine Luria (D), who represents Virginia Beach, said. 

My heart is with all those injured & affected by today’s shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. I’m so thankful for first responders & law enforcement for risking their lives to bring a suspect into custody. This is more proof Congress must act to prevent gun violence.

— Representative Elaine Luria (@RepElaineLuria) May 31, 2019

“This is a horrible day for the Commonwealth. Our hearts are heavy with grief for the victims and their loved ones,” Rep. Bobby Scott (D) tweeted. 

This is a horrible day for the Commonwealth. Our hearts are heavy with grief for the victims and their loved ones. https://t.co/pvWv76Viei

— Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) May 31, 2019

“My heart breaks for Virginia Beach and our entire commonwealth. This is an utterly devastating tragedy. Please keep the victims and everyone who loved them in your thoughts tonight,” Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D) said. 

My heart breaks for Virginia Beach and our entire commonwealth. This is an utterly devastating tragedy.

Please keep the victims and everyone who loved them in your thoughts tonight.https://t.co/RTcXFVn1Nu

— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) May 31, 2019

“As we continue to follow developments from Virginia Beach, we stand ready to assist and comfort the victims and their families. No one in Virginia should ever fear gun violence in their place of work, and today is truly a dark day for our Commonwealth,” Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) said. 

As we continue to follow developments from Virginia Beach, we stand ready to assist and comfort the victims and their families. No one in Virginia should ever fear gun violence in their place of work, and today is truly a dark day for our Commonwealth. https://t.co/Gn3wZxFJZ6

— Rep. Abigail Spanberger (@RepSpanberger) May 31, 2019

Gun control has emerged as an animating issue for Democrats in the aftermath of several high-profile mass shootings. Police have not yet indicated a motive in Friday’s attack.