At least 12 dead, including suspect, in Virginia Beach shooting

Eleven people were killed and six others were injured after a mass shooter opened fire at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in Virginia Friday afternoon, officials said.

Responding officers shot the suspect, who later died, Virginia Beach police Chief James A. Cervera told reporters at a press conference Friday. Among the injured was an officer who was shot by the man and was expected to recover, authorities said.

"He was saved by his vest," the chief said.

The suspect was described by the chief as a "longtime" and "current employee" of the city. The shooting, he said, was indiscriminate.

The shooter was a disgruntled employee, a Virginia government source briefed on the investigation told CNN.

Mayor Bobby Dyer said, "This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach."

Six people were being treated at area hospitals; one was transferred to a level one trauma centre at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, medical officials said.

People were urged to stay away from the area, which includes courthouses and police and sheriff's facilities.

- This article first appeared on NBC