CROZET, Va. – A gunman opened fire in the parking lot of a Harris Teeter grocery store in Crozet, Virginia, killing two people and sending shockwaves through the community.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunman, identified as 28-year-old Justin Barbour, used an AR-15 style rifle to strike people in the lot. The first victim, 43-year-old Peter Martin, was exiting the store when Barbour struck him. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, 68-year-old Diane Spangler, was shot while in her car. Spangler was transported to the UVA Medical Center but succumbed to her injuries that night.
An off-duty federal law enforcement agent intervened, shooting and killing Barbour. The agent’s actions are being hailed as heroic, preventing further loss of life.
The motive behind the shooting is still unclear, and police are investigating Barbour’s background and possible connections to the victims.
The community is in shock, with many residents expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. Witness Andre Morgan, who was nearby when the shooting occurred, emphasized the importance of focusing on supporting the families rather than speculating about the incident on social media.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of gun violence and the importance of community support in the face of tragedy.
