WASHINGTON — In the wake of a mass shooting that left 12 people
dead in Virginia Beach, the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee
on Domestic Justice and Human Development called for American society to
examine why such violent incidents continue to occur.
"This shooting reminds us yet again that something is
fundamentally broken in our society and culture when ordinary workplaces can
become scenes of violence and contempt for human life," Bishop Frank J.
Dewane of Venice, Fla., said in a statement June 1.
He said society must look at ways to "root out the causes of
such evil."
"Action is needed to attempt to reduce the frequency of
these abhorrent acts through legislation and training. I call on Catholics
around the country to pray for the dead and injured as well as for healing in
the community," Bishop Dewane said.
In a statement released May 31, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said, “In
unity with Bishop Barry Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond, I ask all
Catholics and people of good will to join me in prayer for those who lost their
lives in Virginia Beach earlier today as a result of yet another mass shooting.
Please also pray for the families of the deceased, the injured, and the
community. This attack is a reminder of the deep spiritual wounds that exist in
our society, where some feel they have the right to violate the inherent
dignity of the human person. Such acts of violence are as evil as they are
irreversible. May those souls of those who died, rest in peace, and may God
grant healing to the injured.”
Authorities said that a 15-year employee of the city's Department
of Public Works entered a building in a municipal complex shortly after 4 p.m.,
May 31 and began shooting people. Twelve people died and six were injured in
the mayhem, they said.
Police Chief James A. Cervera would not discuss a motive for the
shooting, but said the employee, DeWayne Craddock, was still employed by the
city at the time of the shooting.
All but one of those who died were city employees, officials
said.
Virginia Beach police, Virginia State Police and FBI agents
worked throughout the night to identify the victims, who were found on all
three floors of one building in the complex.
Police responded soon after receiving reports of a gunman firing
at people in the building and helped shepherd many to safety as others
barricaded doors and hid under desks. Four police officers encountered the
gunman in a building hallway, Cervera said late May 31, and engaged in a
"long-term gun battle" before the assailant was shot.
Posts on the Virginia Beach website identified Craddock as an
engineer who worked as a project manager and contact for utility projects.
City manager Dave Hansen said at a press conference that the
victims "leave a void we will never be able to fill."