At least 12 people are dead after a gunman opened fire in Virginia Beach, US on Saturday morning(NZ time). Another five people have been hospitalised.
Police say the gunman was a public utilities worker who opened fire on his co-workers at a municipal center. Local media reports the man had been dismissed from his position just hours before his attack.
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Police Chief James Cervera told reporters the gunman fired "indiscriminately" during his rampage as he went from floor to floor.
Workers at the building says they barricaded themselves inside their offices when they heard the shooting starts.
"We just heard people yelling and screaming at people to get down," said Megan Banton, an administrative assistant in the building.
"We were all just terrified. It felt like it wasn't real, like we were in a dream. You are just terrified because all you can hear is the gunshots."
Emergency services responded to the massacre, and police say the shooter was killed after officers opened fire. One officer was shot but was saved by his bullet-proof vest.
"The suspect did shoot a police officer. Officers returned fire. The suspect is deceased," Cervera says.
The injured have been taken to hospital, but it's feared that some may not survive.
"This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach," said Mayor Bobby Dyer. "The people involved are our friends, coworkers, neighbours, colleagues."
The FBI told CNN it's responding to provide assistance to local authorities.
Newshub.
