Virginia Walmart Shooting Victims Mourned At Chesapeake Vigil

CHESAPEAKE, VA — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin pledged to confront the state's "mental health crisis" Monday night as he and hundreds of others gathered to honor the lives of six people killed last week when a manager opened fire inside a Chesapeake Walmart.

The vigil held at Chesapeake City Park paid tribute to Lorenzo Gamble, Brian Pendleton, Kellie Pyle, Randall Blevins, Tyneka Johnson, and Fernando Chavez-Barron, who were killed when 31-year-old Andre Bing opened fire inside the store's break room before turning the gun on himself. Six others were injured in the shooting.

"We are facing a sense of anger, a sense of fear, a sense of immense loss, a sense of deep, deep grief,” Youngkin said, according to a WAVY report. "I'm not alone in concluding that we have a mental health and a behavioral health crisis in the United States and in Virginia."

The Republican governor also said he will work across party lines "to chart a path forward" following the shooting.

• RELATED: VA Walmart Gunman Left Note On Phone; Bought Gun Legally: Officials | Community Mourns Victims Of Chesapeake Walmart Mass Shooting

Officials revealed more details Friday about the Nov. 22 shooting at the Chesapeake Walmart, including a note left by the shooter.

According to a report by The Associated Press, Bing was an overnight team leader who had been a Walmart employee since 2010. He was armed with one handgun and had multiple magazines on him, authorities said.

Much of the vigil focused on the victims, who ranged in age from 16 to 70. They were remembered as a diverse group of workers who unloaded trucks, broke down cardboard boxes and stocked shelves.

Other speakers at the vigil included Chesapeake Mayor Rick West, Chesapeake City Council Member Don J. Carey III, and retired Chief of Police Kelvin Wright, according to WRIC.

Among those mourning the loss of their friends and loved ones was Doris Manuel, who lost nephew Brian Pendleton, 38.

"We know when something like this happens it’s not just us. It’s a whole city, a whole region," she said.

Tammy Hawkins came in place of her son, Christian, who was too shook up over the death of high school friend Fernando Chavez-Barron.

"He loved Fernando like a brother," Hawkins said.

Prior to the vigil, Chesapeake city leaders held a special meeting to discuss an emergency declaration that would allow city funds to support recovery from the shooting. The meeting lasted less than 10 minutes, WRIC reported.

In an interview with WAVY, West said he understands the pain the families of the victims are going through.

"Some of them now are still in such shock,” West told the station. "They can’t even assess their own needs. It’s going to take time."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.