[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The perpetrator of the shooting incident at Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia, ahead of Thanksgiving was identified as a store employee. President Joe Biden issued a statement of condolence on the 23rd (local time) and emphasized the need for additional measures to combat gun violence in the United States.
The Chesapeake police authorities announced in a separate press conference that the suspect in the Walmart shooting incident the previous day was a store employee. According to Walmart, the suspect was confirmed to be 31-year-old Andre Bing, an overnight team manager who joined the company in 2010.
Six people, including store employees, died in the shooting incident at Walmart the previous night, and at least four were injured and transported to nearby hospitals. One of the injured is reported to be in critical condition. One employee told local media that the suspect entered the store break room and shot three colleagues during the incident.
The shooter was also found dead upon the arrival of the police. It is presumed that the suspect took his own life. Initially, the police did not disclose the suspect's specific identity at the press conference, citing that the family had not yet been notified, but later Walmart and the police confirmed that it was Andre Bing.
At the time of the incident, the store was reportedly crowded with people shopping ahead of Thanksgiving. However, the exact number of people present is uncertain. Walmart stated on Twitter that it is cooperating closely with the investigative authorities. The store will remain closed during the investigation.
Shooting incidents continue to occur in the United States. This incident happened just three days after a mass shooting at an LGBTQ club in Colorado on the 19th, which left five dead and 17 injured. Prior to that, on the 13th, a shooting occurred on the University of Virginia campus, killing three players from the university's football team. In May, a mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, resulted in 22 deaths. Local media reported that there have been 40 mass shooting incidents this year in the U.S. where four or more people died, the highest number since 2019 (45 cases).
President Biden said in his statement, "Tomorrow (the 24th) is one of the most precious holidays that brings us together as Americans and as families, Thanksgiving. But this year, more tables will be empty due to horrific and senseless violence, and more families have experienced the worst losses and pain." He added, "This year, I signed the most important gun reform, but that alone is not enough. We need to take bigger actions." Earlier, President Biden signed gun control legislation that strengthens background checks for gun buyers aged 18 to 21.
Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia (Republican), said on the same day that while legislative solutions to prevent gun violence could be discussed, the current time during the ongoing investigation is not appropriate. He stated, "The most important thing we must do today is support those affected. Once all investigations are complete and the facts are clarified, we will come together to discuss what measures to take."
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