Updated, June 4, 2019
Presidents from the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Virginia Water Environment Assn. (VWEA) and the American Water Works Assn. and its Virginia Section, have all made statements regarding the Virginia Beach tragedy.
“The WEF Board and staff extend their deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of those individuals impacted by this senseless tragedy,” said Tom Kunetz, WEF President. “We and our entire water family will keep them in our thoughts and prayers and provide support however we can.”
“On behalf of the VWEA Board, I want to offer my sincere condolences to the victim’s families and friends of the horrific tragedy," said Shawn Heselton, VWEA President. "We are much more than an organization; we are a family. I encourage all members to offer comfort and support in this time of need.”
“The entire AWWA family grieves with Virginia Beach,” said AWWA President David Rager. “The victims and families of those lost and injured, our friends and colleagues at the Virginia Beach utilities, and the broader Virginia Beach community are on our minds and in our hearts.”
“The VA AWWA Board is deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy,” said Virginia Section Chair Tim Mitchell. “We extend our deepest condolences to all who have been impacted because of this horrific violence. There are few words that can comfort at a time like this but know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are not only colleagues but extended water family. VA AWWA continues to offer our unwavering support.”
Original article below:
On May 31, a longtime public utilities employee fired multiple shots with a handgun at a municipal building in Virginia Beach, Va., killing a dozen people and injuring others, according to The New York Times. The gunman died after an extended shootout with police.
According to The New York Times, it was near the end of the work day when the incident occurred. The office in Virginia Beach is where many city government functions occur, including paying water bills and applying for building permits. The police identified the shooter as DeWayne Craddock, 40, Saturday, June 1.
Craddock had emailed a resignation letter the morning of the attack, according to CNN. Virginia Beach City Manager Dave Hansen said Craddock was not forced to resign. He said his “performance was satisfactory” and that “he was within good standing in his department,” according to CNN.
Craddock first shot at one person in a car at the end of the workday Friday, then entered the building, where he fired at those on the three floors of the building, according to CNN.
12 people were killed in the attack, including the gunman’s boss, longtime employees and a contractor, according to CNN.
The victims include:
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Robert "Bobby" Williams, who was a 41-year veteran in the public utilities department and a special projects coordinator. Williams competed for Terminal Velocity during Water Environment Federation Operators Challenges.
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Richard H. Nettleton, who was Craddock’s boss. Craddock told him he was quitting for personal reasons, according to a former colleague;
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Herbert “Bert” Snelling was a contractor trying to file a permit when the gunman opened fire;
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Laquita C. Brown, Mary Louise Gayle and Alexander Mikhail Gusev, all of whom were right-of way agents who worked for the public works department;
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Tara Welch Gallagher and Christopher Kelly Rapp, who were both engineers with the city's public works department;
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Joshua O. Hardy, an engineering technician in the public works department;
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Ryan Keith Cox, an account clerk in the public utilities department; and
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Michelle "Missy" Langer, an administrative assistant in public utilities.
Several victims were wounded in addition to the 12 victims. Three people were in critical condition and one was fair condition, according to hospital officials Saturday.
According to CNN, it is unclear if any victims were targeted, and who was caught in indiscriminate gunfire. Police are still searching for a motive.
