11 dead, 6 injured in Virginia shooting

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - At least 11 people were killed Friday in a shooting in the state of Virginia, according to police.

Six others were wounded after a shooter opened fire at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.

A police officer was shot but was "saved by his bulletproof vest," Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said at a news conference.

"We do know that shortly after 4 p.m. this afternoon, the suspect entered Building 2. He is a longtime employee of the public utilities and immediately began to indiscriminately fire upon all the victims," said Cervera.

The suspect was killed after exchanging gunfire with officers, he said without identifying the alleged shooter.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said the shooting was a "tragic day for Virginia Beach and our entire Commonwealth."

"My heart breaks for the victims of this devastating shooting, their families, and all who loved them," he tweeted.

Officials are in the process of identifying the victims to make "personal notification to family members," Cervera said.