CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The Walmart on Sam's Circle in Chesapeake has reopened its doors to the public nearly five months after a manager opened fire in the store, killing six people before turning the gun on himself.
On Wednesday, the store held a ceremony at 9 a.m. before its grand reopening to the public at 10 a.m.
News 3's team coverage has begun, and you can check back here for live updates throughout the day.
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10:15 a.m.
People begin walking into the store for the first time in nearly five months.
9:43 a.m.
The ribbon cutting took place as Walmart employees cheered and chanted, "Walmart!"
We are out at the #Chesapeake #Walmart reopening ceremony this morning. You will remember it was the site of a horrific mass shooting where six people lost their lives nearly five months ago. After the ribbon cutting, the sea of blue community members and workers cheered. @WTKR3 pic.twitter.com/Dt14z6YlF8
— Pari Cruz (@paricruz) April 19, 2023
9:01 a.m.
News 3's crew at the ceremony saw several Walmart employees wiping their eyes.
“I came with prepared remarks and thought they would be appropriate to do, but once I felt the emotion of the manager, the bishop’s prayer, the national anthem, how could you not have emotions just overflowing?” said Chesapeake Mayor Rick West.
A very emotional ceremony for all who have spoken, and many in the audience are in tears. Store manager, many higher ups at Walmart and #Chesapeake Mayor West have all taken the podium. @WTKR3 https://t.co/s4IpNQyvNx pic.twitter.com/TTsLE01h5d
— Anthony Sabella (@AnthonyWTKR) April 19, 2023
9 a.m.
At the ceremony, the store manager, Mayor West, Walmart executive Cedric Clark and others spoke to the crowd.
When addressing the crowd, Clark named the six Walmart employees who died in November's mass shooting.
“Randy Blevins…you have to say their names in my opinion. It’s something I will always do. Fernando Jesus Chavez Barron. They just mean so much to me as we keep going down the list, Lorenzo Gamble, Kellie Pyle, Brian Pendleton and last but not least Tyneka Johnson,” Clark said.
8:56 a.m.
The crowd gathered minutes before the ceremony kicked off at 9 a.m.
8:49 a.m.
Before the opening ceremony began, News 3 anchor Anthony Sabella described the scene. The ceremony drew a large crowd. Among the attendees were Mayor West, people from Walmart corporate and store employees. Citizens were also present to watch the ceremony.
7:21 a.m.
The PA system also announced an employee meeting.
Voice over the PA system announces employee meeting before things get rolling this morning. Lots of folks with blue shirts and vestsCeremony scheduled for 9 am, store opening at 10. https://t.co/HwOOD9y2s4 @WTKR3 pic.twitter.com/4ox0Pbbs7p
— Anthony Sabella (@AnthonyWTKR) April 19, 2023
7:09 a.m.
Employees have also begun arriving for their first day back.
6:54 a.m.
News 3 crews on scene see the memorial pavilion set up.
The sun is coming up on what’s going to be a beautiful day, as we honor 6 lives lost in a November mass shooting at this Walmart.The store reopens today. You can see the memorial pavilion set up next to the entrance. https://t.co/inUqlo3De1 @WTKR3 pic.twitter.com/IoAMssaUU0
— Anthony Sabella (@AnthonyWTKR) April 19, 2023
