On July 2 , 2019 , the Virginia Beach City Council voted to order an independent investigation of the circumstances that led to the mass shooting . The decision came after the families of some of the victims expressed dissatisfaction with the information released by the authorities . Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued a statement on Twitter saying , " My heart breaks for the victims of this devastating shooting , their families , and all who loved them . " Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring said , " In recent years there have been mass shootings at American elementary schools , colleges , government buildings , offices , concerts , movie theaters , nightclubs , even churches , mosques , and synagogues . We have to do more to stop this kind of violence . " Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said , " This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach . " Dyer has also attempted to quell both sides of the gun control debate stating he wanted to avoid the " knee jerk reaction " and " bipartisan bureaucratic malpractice . " Virginia 's junior U.S. Senator , Tim Kaine , promised to " keep pushing for Congress to take action to prevent the daily scourge of gun violence in America . " Virginia 's senior U.S. Senator , Mark Warner , thanked law enforcement for their response . U.S. Representative Elaine Luria , who represents Virginia Beach , offered sympathies and thanked " first responders and law enforcement for risking their lives to bring a suspect into custody . " She further said that the incident " is more proof Congress must act to prevent gun violence . " U.S. President Donald Trump also offered condolences , as did House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
American elementary schools
Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
Virginia Beach shooting