UPDATING: Shooting at Virginia’s on King Street

Last update: 8/25/17 at 12:52 am

Earlier today, a disgruntled employee reportedly shot one person and held others hostage inside Virginia’s on King (412 King Street), a restaurant in downtown Charleston. The situation ended when the suspect was shot by police. The suspected shooter is in critical condition.

What’s known so far (latest updates towards the bottom):

• Charleston police received a call about an “active shooter situation” at 12:17 pm
• Shortly thereafter, one person was shot and taken to the hospital. The victim’s condition is unknown at this time
• Patrons were in the restaurant at the time of the incident
  • They said the shooter was an older black man wearing apron. He was holding a small caliber revolver
  • The suspected shooter was a dishwasher at the restaurant who was recently fired. He allegedly shot a chef at the restaurant
• Many businesses/apartments are locked down or closed for the day.
  • People should avoid the area and stay inside if they are nearby
• The Post & Courier reports “John Aquino, who works in the building, says he has colleagues inside. He says a manager was sending texts from inside a closet.”
• During the city’s press conference at 2:30 pm, what sounded like a gun shot or flash bang could be heard. Police did not provide details at that time.
• Around 2:40 pm, multiple reporters on the scene said that a stretcher was being moved towards the restaurant
• Around 2:50 pm, a person was taken out of the restaurant on a stretcher.
• Live 5 News’ Bill Walsh tweeted: “One person (possibly) shot in mouth being taken to MUSC … police standing down.”
• Around 3 pm, reporters on the scene said the police tape was coming down.
• A press conference will be held at 3:15 pm
• 3:19 pm – Mayor John Tecklenberg provided the following updates:
  • There was one fatality
    • This was the restaurant’s chef
  • The assailant has been shot and is in critical condition.
    • The alleged shooter was shot by police
  • The hostages appear to be ok
• 4:30 pm – a few streets around the restaurant are still blocked off
• 11:18 pm – Anthony Shane Whiddon, 37, of Goose Creek, has been identified as the shooting victim. The Charleston Pice statement: “Anthony Shane Whiddon, 37, of Goose Creek, SC has been identified as the homicide victim from the incident that occurred at Virginia’s on King Restaurant in Charleston, SC where he was the Executive Chef. He was transported by Charleston County EMS to the Medical University of South Carolina where he was pronounced deceased. The investigating agencies include SLED, Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston County Coroner’s Office.”
• 11:29 pm – Widdon went by his middle name. He was married and two boys.
• 11:33 pm – NBC has identified the suspected shooter as Thomas Burnes
• 8/25 – 12:36 am – From CPD: All streets surrounding the shooting incident location on King Street are now open to pedestrians and motorists.

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