CHARLESTON, S.C.–The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has identified the shooting victim in Thursday’s deadly shooting at a downtown Charleston restaurant.
According to Deputy Corner Sheila Williams, Anthony Shane Whiddon, 37, of Goose Creek was killed at Virginia’s on King Restaurant where he served as 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.
According to a spokesperson with the Charleston Police Department, 9-1-1 dispatch received the initial call in reference to an active shooter situation inside the restaurant at 12:17 p.m.
Authorities say the shooter was a disgruntled employee who was fired a few days prior to the shooting. He reportedly had worked as a dishwasher for the restaurant.
Thomas Demetrius Burns, 53, of Charleston, is the man police say opened fire at Virginia’s on King Thursday afternoon, according to Charleston Police spokesman Charles Francis.
Burns was shot by Charleston Police after a hostage standoff, according to police. Burns was transported to MUSC for medical attention and is listed in critical condition.
An individual who was held hostage during the incident was eventually removed from the building safely. On Friday, the restaurant’s owner took to social media to issue a statement. It reads, in part:
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by what transpired yesterday at our restaurant Virginia’s on King. We are devastated by the passing of Shane Whiddon, our beloved and well-respected chef and friend. Our thoughts and prayers from Holy City Hospitality and Bennett Hospitality are with Shane’s family, our work family, and the customers and employees who are affected by this awful tragedy. We’re extremely grateful for the incredible teamwork of the many law enforcement agencies and the Mayor of Charleston in handling yesterday’s events,” stated Managing Director of Holy City Hospitality, Marty Wall.
Following Whiddon’s death inside the restaurant, customers of Virginia’s on King flocked to social media to express their condolences.
“Shane was amazing! I jokingly told our waiter that I wanted to marry the chef, because the grits were so good! Shane came to our table and I proposed to him–my husband was there too! We talked food a lot and I told Shane of my interest in grits and that I was writing a cookbook,” stated Julie Patrick Clark. “He gave me his card and told me he’d be glad to give me recipes and how he prepares his grits. We had plans to see him in early November. He was so nice, genuine, and a fabulous chef. We ate at Virginia’s on King not just for dinner but several breakfasts as well. It felt like home. Shane felt like family. He will be missed.”
“I am so sorry for your loss of Chef Shane! I imagine going back into that building will be difficult. My thoughts are with the staff as you find peace in this awful tragedy,” stated Elissa Childers.
“May light perpetual shine upon Shane and may the peace of the Lord be with his loved ones, friends, and co-workers. I am terribly sorry this happened,” stated Vanessa A Moody-Laird.
The official account for Hootie and the Blowfish also tweeted about the shooting along with Governor Henry McMaster.
We are saddened to hear about what happened today in Charleston. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families🙏
— HootieAndTheBlowfish (@HootieTweets) August 24, 2017
We send our prayers to lift up the families affected by today’s tragedy in Charleston. 1/
— Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) August 24, 2017
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