VA Beach Adjusts Plans for Memorial

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) -- With the coronavirus pandemic keeping residents at home, the city of Virginia Beach is crafting new plans for remembering and honoring victims and survivors of last year's mass shooting by a city employee.

Acting City Manager Thomas Leahy told city employees in an email that the pandemic ruled out the original plans for an in-person ceremony and other activities designed to bring people together around the anniversary of the May 31 shooting.

The theme for the remembrance is called "Lighting the Path: Together We Remember," The Virginian-Pilot reported. The city is encouraging people to wear blue on May 29 and decorate homes and buildings with white or blue lights.

A virtual ceremony is planned for May 31. Leahy said the plans are "still taking shape," with more details expected to be announced next month.

The city employee who killed 12 people had felt that he was treated unfairly after receiving an unfavorable performance review. He died in a gunfight with police.

(KR)