VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Following the on-duty shooting deaths of two Virginia Beach police officers Friday night, reactions from around the region, state and beyond are pouring in offering condolences to the department.
Local law enforcement
The VBPD official X account posted this message just after 8:30 a.m. Saturday:
#VBPD pic.twitter.com/8xOCNYXgfQ
— Virginia Beach Police Department (@VBPD) February 22, 2025
Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association 34 said:
"The citizens of our great city awoke to the horrible news that two of our VBPD and PBA brothers were viciously and senselessly shot in the line of duty over night. It is with broken hearts that we confirm that these heroes succumbed to their wounds. Two men lost their lives. Two families lost loved ones. A city and a nation lost heroes. Countless people lost a friend. The VBPD and PBA lost brothers. More information and details of services will follow. For now, we ask that you pray for the officers, their families, our city, the VBPD, and for an end to the senseless violence against Law Enforcement everywhere."
The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office offered its condolences:
The Suffolk Police Department mourns with the @VBPD in the loss of two police officers.
— Suffolk Police Department (@SuffolkVaPD) February 22, 2025
During this difficult time, please keep the family, friends, and coworkers of the officers in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/3FBMqXnRyl
The Norfolk Sheriff's Office offered condolences to VBPD in a post on X.
"Heartbreaking news out of Virginia Beach where local media reports one officer was killed and another seriously injured last night," they wrote. "We send our prayers to the officers' families, our brothers and sisters at @VBPD and everyone affected by this tragic situation."
The Norfolk field office of the FBI shared this statement:
FBI Norfolk sends its condolences to the brave men and women of the Virginia Beach Police Department, as well as the family and friends of the officers tragically killed last night. https://t.co/g9HFJJ0gmP
— FBI Norfolk (@FBINorfolk) February 22, 2025
Watch: Update from the scene of fatal shooting of VBPD officers
The Suffolk Police Department wrote:
The Suffolk Police Department mourns with the @VBPD in the loss of two police officers.
— Suffolk Police Department (@SuffolkVaPD) February 22, 2025
During this difficult time, please keep the family, friends, and coworkers of the officers in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/3FBMqXnRyl
The Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Management shared this message:
Ours thoughts, hearts, and prayers go out to the Virginia Beach Police Department and their families during this very difficult and tragic moment.
— Virginia Department of Emergency Management (@VDEM) February 22, 2025
Our First Responders are a dear and vital part of the Emergency Management Community, and this senseless loss will be felt by all. pic.twitter.com/MNY688jlVm
Portsmouth Police:
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen VBPD officers, the Virginia Beach community, and all members of their department. pic.twitter.com/ORcaWcVddG
— PortsmouthPD (@PortsmouthPD) February 22, 2025
Albemarle County Police:
Leesburg Police:
Blacksburg Police Department
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office:
Watch: Memorial set up for fallen officers at Fourth Precinct
Politicians
Gov. Glenn Youngkin wrote:
Suzanne and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of two Virginia Beach police officers killed in the line of duty last night. A solemn reminder of the bravery of those who risk everything to protect us and run toward danger. The Commonwealth has their families and the entire… https://t.co/0CqdMwV9f4
— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) February 22, 2025
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine sent a statement to WTKR News 3 via email:
“My heart goes out to the Virginia Beach Police Department and the families of the two police officers who died protecting their communities. I urge a swift and thorough investigation and hope the person or people responsible will be held accountable.”
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, who represents Virginia Beach, wrote on X:
"This morning, our entire community mourns the tragic loss of two brave Virginia Beach police officers who were killed in the line of duty last night. As we await more information, please join me in praying for their loved ones and the Virginia Beach Police Department. Let justice be swift for those responsible."
State Sen. Bill DeSteph, who represents parts of Virginia Beach, also posted a message on X.
"I am so terribly saddened to receive this news this morning," he wrote. "Please keep this officer, their family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers as they begin to navigate such a profound loss."
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares added:
Today, Virginia Beach awoke to the horrific news that two of our police officers were gunned down in the line of duty. Virginia Beach has been called the “City of Heroes,” and we see that heroism every day in the unwavering bravery and professionalism of those who wear the badge.…
— Jason Miyares (@JasonMiyaresVA) February 22, 2025
Raw footage from scene of VBPD fatal shooting
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears wrote:
Each day that our law-enforcement puts on their uniform is a day that we know they may never come home safely to their families. Yet, our first rescuers continue to show up to protect us.
— Lt. Governor of Virginia - Winsome Earle-Sears (@WinsomeSears) February 22, 2025
We mourn with the families of these heroes and the Virginia Beach Police Department, and… https://t.co/Pnv0HFYjve
Other messages of support
Regent University shared:
Regent University grieves the loss of the fallen Virginia Beach police officers. We pray for strength, comfort, and healing for their loved ones, the VBPD, and the community they so valiantly served. pic.twitter.com/cX2OFvYeBA
— Regent University (@RegentU) February 22, 2025
From the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association:
The Wichita, Kansas police department said:
With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to the Virginia Beach Police Department as they mourn the loss of two dedicated officers.
— Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) February 22, 2025
Through our strong relationship with Virginia Beach Police Department in the Major City Chiefs Association, pic.twitter.com/opoFATZ7Gw
The Glendale, Arizona Fraternal Order of Police also shared a message of prayer for VBPD.
Please join us in praying for the Virginia Beach Police Department.
— Glendale Arizona FOP Lodge 12 (@GlendaleFOP12) February 22, 2025
Two officers shot. One has given the ultimate sacrifice for that community. Status on the second officer is unknown.
🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/g7VOnsgFj4
