Currents News Staff
Memorial services were held around Virginia Beach this weekend for the twelve people who lost their lives Friday.
“We know at least eight of the victims. They used to come here all the time, having lunch with us. They are very sweet people, they are nice people,” said Mostafa Essabbar, the owner of Sal’s Famous New York Pizza.
Virginia Beach police were scheduled to hold a free community workshop on what to do during mass shootings the very next morning. The timing created confusion for some when the real thing happened right in front of them.
“We passed by a gentleman that was carrying a gun in his hand but it looked so theatrical because of the extended magazine and the suppressor that was on the end of it. He never looked at me. I mean he glanced at me but he never raised the gun at me to shoot me. I thought he was playing the part of an active shooter for our drill,” said Ned Carlstrom, a city worker.
Police say the city engineer who opened fire at a municipal building was not disgruntled as has been previously reported.
Earlier in the day, the 40-year-old sent a resignation email to his boss. When asked why, he said it was for personal reasons.
“One of the pieces of the investigation will in include the motive of this horrific act,” said Virginia Beach Police Chief Jim Cervera.
While they wait for answers, a community remembers those who they lost too soon.
“Bobby, he’s the oldest guy. We call him pepperoni guy because he usually order two slice pepperoni and Diet Pepsi. We’re going to miss him a lot,” said Essabbar.