On May 31, 2019, a disgruntled City engineer resigned via premeditated mass shooting in Virginia Beach. The tragedy occurred in the home of Public Works, Public Utilities, and Planning. Twelve innocent workers were brutally killed, with many more severely wounded and/or traumatized.

#VBStrong families, survivors, and allies did not remain silent. When investigations lacked transparency, we rallied up to the Commonwealth of Virginia and rang the bell to establish a State Investigative Commission. Although participation in this effort was extremely difficult, we drove as far as we needed to make sure our loved ones' voices would not be silenced. The official Commonwealth Report was delivered in September 2023. 

We are now past "Year Six", with no clarification on the City's planned timeline to address these 52 Commonwealth expectations. Please join us in demanding response.

52 Recommendations from Virginia to Virginia Beach (read for yourself)

BREAK DOWN:

1-3: Suggestions for more productive Investigative Commissions

4-5: Shooter’s Attack Motive

6-7: Abuses of Power

8-11: Shooter’s Attack Method

12-24: Obstacles for First Response

25-34: Proactive Emergency Planning

35-41: Responsible Communication in the Aftermath

42-45: Federal Support

46-52: Commonwealth Obligation

As we wait, the City of Virginia Beach has promoted stewardship of over 7,500 City workers across more than 35 departments serving the needs of nearly half a million residents while providing accommodation for over 14 million visitors each year who drop an average of $7,000,000 into our budget daily. Localities must respect State and Federal oversight, especially operating at this remarkable magnitude. 

Original image provided with fair use in reverence, the City Seal Memorial Service Flag provided to each victim family by Mayor Bobby Dyer. 

Petition Published on May 16, 2025