CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Black Friday is without doubt one of the busiest purchasing days of the yr, however some buyers at Greenbrier Mall stated the massive crowds have them feeling uneasy, particularly after Tuesday’s mass taking pictures at a Walmart in Chesapeake that killed six folks.
“I’ve by no means had one thing occur so shut and native,” said Teresa Flores who was shopping on Black Friday. “So going out to those sorts of environments simply causes numerous nervousness. It’s actually exhausting to navigate that and really feel precisely protected with the vacation purchasing that we’re doing.”
With her 3-year-old daughter and husband by her side, the mass shooting earlier in the week has Flores concerned for her family’s safety.
“We felt like we were looking around a lot looking for exits, speaking among each other. If something was to go wrong, what would we do,” stated Flores.
Some buyers informed News 3 they’re holding again from in-person purchasing.
“I believe I’d slightly simply do the remainder of my purchasing on-line as a result of I do have extra to stuff to get however I used to be simply prepared to go away,” said Jessica Gomez who was also shopping on Black Friday,
Other shoppers said they’re cautious and remain vigilant.
“Nowadays no place is safe, but you have to go shopping, you have to get groceries. You shouldn’t live in fear,” stated Stanley Womack.
Shoppers at Virginia Beach Walmart areas seemingly seen an elevated police presence Friday. Earlier within the day, two Walmart areas evacuated after receiving threats that police later decided to be unsubstantiated.
“I pray that we just have a safer place for all of us,” stated Flores.
News 3 reached out to Greenbrier, Lynnhaven, MacArthur, and Patrick Henry malls to see in the event that they’ve had an enhanced police and mall safety presence, or in the event that they took different security precautions due to the mass taking pictures. We haven’t but heard from them.