Roanoke police identify Tuesday morning's deadly workplace shooter

Roanoke police have released the identity of the man they say killed two people, including himself, and shot three others on Tuesday morning.

During a 3 p.m. news conference police announced Getachew Fekede, 53, of Kenya, worked at FreightCar America until March of this year. After he missed three days of work, police say he was terminated. Police also said that there was no previous contact with him at FreightCar America until Tuesday's shooting.

While he worked at FreightCar America, all indications were that he was a hard worker, so there's no true indication as to what led to the shooting, according to police.

During the news conference, Roanoke Police Chief Tim Jones said that Fekede fired 10 rounds from a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in the paint shop, where employees paint box cars. The ATF is looking into how he acquired the handgun he used.

Police say that one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Police have not yet determined if those shot were supervisors or coworkers of Fekede.

Fekede died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.

Police also said that he lived in Roanoke in the 2000 block of Lynn Avenue SW and came to Virginia in 2011 through a refugee immigration program.

Police are not releasing the victims names at this time out of consideration for the family members, some of whom are out of state.

While police say this appears to be an isolated workplace incident, they are continuing to investigate.


UPDATE (3:28 p.m.) - Two of the three people being treated at Carilion Clinic remain at the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon. The third person has been released.

One patient is in serious condition, while the other is in good condition.


UPDATE (2:03 p.m.) FrieghtCar America released this statement regarding Tuesday morning's double-fatal shooting:

FreightCar America extends its deepest condolences to everyone affected by the tragic events that occurred at our Roanoke facility earlier this morning. We are working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement to determine what happened and ensure that our employees are safe. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, and out of respect for our employees and their families, we cannot provide specific information about the victims at this time."


UPDATE (1:41 p.m.): Police say that there is no indication of any further threat to the public after Tuesday morning's shooting.

Police conducting a protective sweep of the FreightCar America facility have finished and found nothing suspicious.

A portion of Campbell Avenue SE will remain closed for the time being as the evidence processing and recovery phase of the investigation takes place at the facility.

A news conference has been scheduled for 3 p.m. regarding Tuesday morning's shooting. WSLS 10 will carry it both on-air and online.


UPDATE: A Norfolk Southern spokesperson said its employees have been cleared to enter and exit the locomotive shop.


UPDATE: - Police say two people are dead, one of whom is believed to be the shooter.

The shooter is believed to be a current or former employee.

Police say the call came in at 6:08 a.m. on Tuesday.

Police are still on scene to make sure everything is cleared and everyone from both Norfolk Southern and FreightCar America has been evacuated.

WSLS 10 will keep you updated as we work to find out more information.


ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - We're following reports of a heavy police presence in the 800 block of Campbell Avenue near FreightCar America.

Police and ambulances have been seen coming and going from the scene.

WSLS 10 has a crew on the scene.

We'll continue to follow this story and bring you the latest information as it becomes available.

Several Roads are blocked as police continue the investigation.