CHESAPEAKE, Va. — As Thanksgiving and the holiday season inch closer, the Chesapeake community also approaches more tragic anniversaries. It’s been one year since the Greenbrier Walmart shooting.
On November 22, 2022, a gunman opened fire inside a Walmart store, killing six people and injuring others before committing suicide. Several people were also injured in the chaos.
Since that day, the survivors have filed a lawsuit against the store.
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Now, a Walmart spokesperson has announced that the company will close its Sam’s Circle store early to give employees time to reflect and grieve.
This year, November 22nd will be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Stores around the area will be open until 11 p.m. Wednesday, closed on public holidays, and will reopen at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.
Sam’s Circle Walmart will close at 5 p.m. that Wednesday and reopen at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.
Last year, the store closed shortly after the incident and underwent major design changes, including the creation of an outdoor memorial space to “honor the victims and provide a place of peace.” It reopened on April 19th.
The memorial features greenery and six seating structures honoring slain Walmart employees: Brian Pendleton, Kelly Pyle, Lorenzo Gamble, Randy Blevins, Tineka Johnson, and Fernando Chavez-Barron. A plaque with the names of the victims has also been installed.
Walmart’s announcement reminded people of the monument, saying it is a “special place of rest and reflection” and that “Walmart welcomes members of the community to visit the monument during store hours.” said.