Back to work after a shooting
Thousands of Virginia Beach city workers poured into the convention centre near the oceanfront. It was last Monday, three days after a city employee opened fire as people left work on Friday — killing 12 and critically injuring four. A large American flag hung from a fire department ladder truck parked in front of the building, and a helicopter circled above.
“This is simply step one to wrap our minds and hearts around this senseless tragedy,” a city spokesperson said in an email. “A time to give one another a ‘group hug.’ ”
Mayor Bobby Dyer said city manager Dave Hansen delivered soothing words to employees.
“It was very encouraging and uplifting,” Dyer said. “We are going to get through this as a city and as a family. We are not going to be defined by this act.”
Wesley Brown, 26, said counsellors discussed ways to cope with the tragedy.
“They told us to try to get back to our normal activity,” said Brown, a public works employee with family members who know two of the victims.
“It’s just shocking to me,” he said. “It could have been any of us.”
Kenyatta Lawrence, who works for the transportation division of the human services department, said there were moments of silence and photos of the victims shown.
“It was just a loving experience.” Lawrence’s division was working Monday, so when she started her day, she wrote a positive note on her office’s whiteboard with the message: “Be kind to one another, be thankful for the little things.”
“Tomorrow’s not promised to anyone,” Lawrence said.
On Friday, Marcial Marcelo left work at the information technology department early to attend a retirement party for his boss. He’s often in and out of Building 2, where the shootings happened, and works across the street. He hoped Monday’s gathering would help him understand why the shooting happened.
“This is an opportunity to try to get back to normalcy,” he said. “It is not just going to take one day — it is going to take a lot of time.”
Kristi Rines, the city’s recycling co-ordinator, said she was ready to get back to work, but appreciated having a day to pause and remember those who died.
“It is really nice to be able to bring everyone into the same space and work through emotions together, to grieve together,” Rines said.
City employees were encouraged to write messages on rocks that will be placed in a memorial garden at the Municipal Center.
“Always know that you are LOVED #vbstrong,” and “May God bless the fallen,” were among the thoughts written on the rocks.