Virginia Beach Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 5 Injured At Oceanfront
Virginia Beach Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 5 Injured At Oceanfront...
A shooting near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront left three people dead and five injured late Friday night, marking the city's deadliest gun violence incident in nearly five years. Police responded to reports of gunfire near 20th Street and Atlantic Avenue around 11:30 p.m., where they found multiple victims in what appears to be a targeted attack.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate confirmed at a 2 a.m. press conference that two suspects fled the scene and remain at large. "We have reason to believe this was not a random act," Neudigate told reporters. The shooting occurred just blocks from the popular boardwalk area, though the tourist-heavy strip was largely empty due to offseason hours.
The victims include two men in their 20s and one woman who died at the scene, according to Virginia Beach EMS. Three other victims were transported to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital in critical condition, while two sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not released identities pending family notifications.
This marks Virginia Beach's deadliest shooting since the 2019 municipal center attack that killed 12 people. The incident is trending nationally as it follows recent high-profile shootings in Chicago and Philadelphia, renewing debates about urban gun violence. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin tweeted early Saturday that state police are assisting local authorities.
Witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire followed by screams. "It sounded like fireworks at first, then people started running," said nearby hotel employee Marcus Wheeler. Police have cordoned off multiple blocks as investigators process the crime scene. The FBI's Norfolk field office has joined the manhunt for the suspects.
Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer called the violence "heartbreaking" in a statement, pledging full resources to apprehend those responsible. The shooting comes as the coastal city prepares for its busy summer tourism season, with local businesses expressing concern about safety perceptions.
This developing story is being closely watched due to Virginia Beach's status as America's most populous beach resort city. Police urge anyone with information to contact the Virginia Beach Tip Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Additional updates are expected later Saturday as investigators review surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
