Arriving on scene during the standoff between a disgruntled employee at Virginia’s on King and local law enforcement agencies, Mayor John Tecklenburg followed the events that resulted in the death of Virginia’s Executive Chef Shane Whiddon. Friday evening, with the suspected shooter identified and a community still coming to grips with the chaotic scene on King Street, Tecklenburg released a statement on Thursday’s tragic events.
“Like so many others in our community, Sandy and I were deeply saddened yesterday by the senseless murder of Anthony Shane Whiddon, and by the terrible trauma inflicted on the patrons and staff of Virginia’s restaurant. Our prayers are with Shane’s family and friends, and with everyone else touched by this dreadful incident,” said Tecklenburg.
He then goes on to thank the local, state, and national partners who aided in the massive law enforcement and emergency services response that closed down several blocks surrounding Virginia’s on King for the hours-long standoff. Among those contributing to this effort were College of Charleston Public Safety, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County EMS, SLED, North Charleston Police, ATF, and the FBI. The mayor also stated that he received timely calls from Gov. Henry McMaster and the White House.
“Even more, it was a genuine honor to work side-by-side in the command center with the remarkable men and women of the Charleston Police and Fire Departments. The people of Charleston are lucky to have such highly skilled officers working to keep us safe. They truly are dedicated public servants, and the professionalism and valor they displayed yesterday will not be forgotten,” said Tecklenburg.
He added, “Finally, as always, I continue to be inspired by the way our community comes together during and following a tragedy. The love and support I’ve seen from residents and the local restaurant community to the Whiddon family and everyone at Virginia’s demonstrates once again what a special place Charleston is.”