NORFOLK, Va. - A restaurant in the MacArthur Center has decided to close its doors after recent shootings in the area.
Texas De Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse, located on the first floor of the MacArthur Center has closed.
A spokesperson for the restaurant stated the reason for the closure was safety concerns after several shootings in the area.
In the last two months, four people have died in downtown shootings. This comes at a time when the Norfolk Police Department isshort staffed and looking to fill 227 officer vacancies.
“We have evaluated our options as a result of the recent tragic events that occurred at MacArthur Center. As the public is aware, the news has continued to report about the string of escalating violence in the mall and surrounding areas – but this time with multiple shootings and a fatality at our doorstep.
Based on our evaluation of the circumstances, we have determined that the mall has become unsafe to the extent that we can no longer operate safely there. We cannot jeopardize the safety of our staff and guests; both of which are our primary concern. We must look for a new and safe location to operate. Once we have a tentative opening date, we will announce on our social channels, in an email to our eclub members and will post on our website.”
Norfolk Police continue searching for Gary Moore in connection to the April 2 MacArthur Center shooting that left one man dead and two others injured.
Moore, 39, of Virginia Beach, has been charged with second-degree murder, two counts of malicious wounding, and three counts of use of a firearm.
A mass shooting also took place on Granby Street that killed three people and injured two others. It happened in March in front of Chicho's.
Texas De Brazil said due to the recent events it "determined that the mall has become unsafe to the extent that we can no longer operate safely there."
It said it was searching for a new location and will update guests on social media on an opening date.
