VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Thousands of community members of all faiths and backgrounds united Thursday night to honor the victims of last Friday’s mass shooting.
The Rock Church was packed for “VB Remembers” with mourners looking for a shoulder to lean on, just less than a week after 12 people were fatally shot at the city’s Municipal Center.
Governor Ralph Northam, Representative Elaine Luria and Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine were there.
It was an emotional service with lots of tears shed for the victims.
11 city workers and a contractor were among the 12 killed in the shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. The employees killed had served the city for more than 150 years combined.
One by one, council members read the names of the fallen and displayed their photos.
The biggest applause of the night came when Vice Mayor Jim Wood thanked the city employees for their response to the shooting, particularly the police officers who rushed to the sound of gunfire.
The gathering was one of many vigils and remembrance ceremonies that have been held or scheduled since Friday. See a full list of events at this link.
Thanks to our news partner WAVY TV-10 for their reporting.