VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Virginia Beach police say they have identified the suspect in a shooting that left 12 dead but have not released his name because they haven't been able to notify family members.
Police Chief James Cervera said when he does release the name, it will be only once. He said after that, "he will be forever referred to as the suspect because our focus now is the dignity and respect to the victims in this case and to their families."
Cervera said the suspect was a longtime employee of the Public Utilities Department.
Police say the victims of a shooting at a Virginia Beach municipal center were found on three floors and one victim was shot in car outside the building.
Cervera said a long gun battle erupted between the shooter and four police officers. Police aren't naming the suspect, who was killed as authorities returned fire.
LIVE: Officials give update following mass shooting in Virginia Beach that killed at least 11 people. https://t.co/EjE4I8tbIk https://t.co/K5FRFaiOVO
— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 1, 2019
ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION-municipal center, building 2. Multiple injuries. At this time it is believed that only 1 shooter, and they have been taken into custody. More to follow
— Virginia Beach PD (@VBPD) May 31, 2019