Several people have been killed and others injured in a shooting at a Walmart store in Virginia, police say.
It happened in the city of Chesapeake, with police called shortly after 10 p.m. local time, spokesman Leo Kosinski said.
“Chesapeake Police confirm active shooter incident with fatality at Sam’s Circle Walmart. Shooter has died,” the city of Chesapeake tweeted.
Image: Police in Virginia respond to the scene of a fatal shooting at a Walmart in Chesapeake. Image: WAVY-TV 10 via AP
The number of people killed was unclear, but Kosinski said “less than 10, right now” were dead.
Senator Louise Lucas tweeted: “I am absolutely heartbroken that the latest mass shooting in the United States took place tonight at a Walmart in my district of Chesapeake, Virginia.
“I will not rest until we find the solutions to end this epidemic of gun violence in our country that has claimed so many lives.”
Several people were also injured, and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in nearby Norfolk was reported to be treating five victims.
Kosinski said police believe the shooting happened inside the store, but one person was found dead outside the building.
It is not known if the shooter died of self-inflicted wounds.
Kosinski added that no shots were fired at police “that he knew of.”
Read more: There are mass shootings elsewhere, but America’s gun problem stands alone
The City of Chesapeake’s Twitter account tweeted: “A family reunification site has been set up at the Chesapeake Conference Center (700 Conference Center Drive). This site is for immediate family or emergency contact only. ‘those who might have been in the building.’
Sen. Mark Warner tweeted: “Shocked by reports of another mass shooting, this time at a Walmart in Chesapeake. I will be following developments closely.”
Walmart Inc said it was “surprised” by the events at its store.
The company tweeted: “We are shocked by this tragic event at our store in Chesapeake, Virginia. We are praying for those affected, the community and our associates. We are working closely with law enforcement and are focused on supporting the our associates.”
The Chesapeake Walmart is a “supercenter,” meaning it sells groceries and other products. There are more than 3,500 Walmart Supercenters in the US.