Crime & Safety

Update: Shooting Reported At Burke Target

Burke resident dies of gunshot wound.

We have published a follow-up to this story with information and resources to help the community cope with and heal from this tragic event.  Read it here:

UPDATED 5:00 p.m.

A 56-year-old Burke woman died from a gunshot wound to the head Tuesday, according to Fairfax County Police.

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Preliminarily, our detectives believe this shooting was self-inflicted,” said Lucy Caldwell, Fairfax County Police Public Information Officer.  “The final determination, however, will be made by the Office of the Medical Examiner.”

The woman’s identity will be released once next of kin are notified.

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police responded to the Target store in Burke at about noon today for the report of a shooting. Witnesses report seeing EMS performing CPR on the victim as she was taken on a gurney to an ambulance.

The shooting took place inside the store.  “The victim was a guest and not a team member,” said Target spokesperson Molly Snyder.  She said the store is currently closed, as staff work with local law enforcement on the investigation.

Target store operator Sarah said management hopes to reopen the store at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

UPDATED 3:35 p.m.

A 50-year-old female was transported to INOVA Fairfax Hospital suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head, according to a police communication.  Patch is awaiting confirmation and additional details from the Fairfax County Police.

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Police have responded to the property around the store in the 10300 block of New Guinea Road in Burke for a reported shooting.

The circumstances surrounding the event are not clear.

Fairfax County Police Department Public Information Officer Lucy Caldwell said there does not appear to be any threat to public safety at this time and shoppers should not be alarmed if they notice an increased police presence in the area.

Patch will report more details as they become available.

Follow-up Stories:

A suicide in Burke. Should we have reported it? (Washington Post)

National Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide Prevention and Survivor Healing


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