• At least 12 dead and six hospitalized in a mass shooting in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
  • Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said that the suspect is also deceased.
  • The suspect opened fire on multiple floors, police said, and exchanged gunfire with authorities. CNN reported that two weapons were recovered from the scene, a semi-automatic pistol and rifle.
  • Four officers immediately responded to the 911 call, the police chief said. They engaged with the suspect in what was described by Chief Cervera as a “long gun battle with the suspect.”
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At least 12 people were killed and multiple others were hospitalized in a mass shooting at a municipal center in Virginia Beach, police said Friday evening.

At a press conference, Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said the suspected shooter – a longtime public utilities employee – was also killed. The suspect was not being counted among the 12 victims.

The suspect opened fire on multiple floors of Building 2, police said, and exchanged gunfire with authorities. CNN reported that two weapons were recovered from the scene, a semi-automatic pistol and rifle. Extended magazines were also found, the police chief said in a press conference.

A police officer was shot, but was saved by his bulletproof vest. Police did not have information on the condition of the wounded at the time of the press conference.

Four officers immediately responded to the 911 call, the police chief said. They engaged with the suspect in what was described by Chief Cervera as a "long gun battle with the suspect."

"This day will not define Virginia Beach, our response will define Virginia Beach," Councilman Aaron Rouse said during the press conference. "We will come together, we will show the strength of our city."

"This is a horrific day for the Commonwealth of Virginia," Governor Ralph Northam said in a statement. "We are devastated by the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach. I am in Virginia Beach with law enforcement authorities and Mayor Dyer, where I am monitoring the situation and offer the state's full support."

"My deepest condolences and prayers go to the families of those who left home this morning, and will not return tonight, as well as those who have been injured in this tragedy," Northam continued. "This is unspeakable, senseless violence. I commend local and state law enforcement, first responders, medical teams, and all others who acted swiftly to respond to this situation. My thoughts continue to be with the victims and their families."

Photos and videos from the scene show heavily armed police officers swarming a city building.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.