CHESAPEAKE, Va. — One year after the tragedy at the Chesapeake Walmart, a former employee who survived the store riot is telling his story in song.
Miles Whitaker, who also goes by the stage name MWheezy, wrote the song “Nov. 22” based on a life-changing experience.
Whittaker said that’s because “ [he] I didn’t want to hold everything in. ”
In 2022, Whittaker was working the night shift at the Walmart Supercenter in Sam’s Circle. He said he wanted to take the listener on a journey through the night through the lyrics and melody.
“I want people to remember that day,” Whitaker said.
He recalled a time two days before Thanksgiving when a manager opened fire inside.
“I dodged the table and flew from left to right to avoid the bullets.”
He described how he found his way out of the store and ran for safety.
“It was cold outside, but I couldn’t stop sweating. But when I was breathing, I felt like I could see it.”
For Whittaker, the details of sweat and breath were “like a sign that I’m still alive, that I’m still here.”
Although he lives with the traumatic images, he believes he is here for a greater purpose.
“There is never a doubt in my heart that God exists.”
“Take care of everyone. Let’s give everyone flowers while we’re here,” Whitaker said. “I didn’t want people to just remember that I passed. I wanted people to remember people who didn’t pass.”
The six store employees lost in the tragedy were Tineka Johnson, Brian Pendleton, Randy Blevins, Kelly Pyle, Lorenzo Gamble, and Fernando Chavez Barron.
Whitaker released the song and music video on Wednesday, marking the one-year anniversary of the shooting.
Watch the full music video here