DeWayne Antonio Craddock was born on October 15, 1978. He was originally named DeWayne Antonio Hamilton. He grew up in Newport News, Virginia, and attended Denbigh High School, where he graduated in 1996. After high school, Craddock joined the Virginia Army National Guard. He served as a cannon crew member with the First Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment from 1996 to 2002. During his service, he reached the rank of Specialist (E-4) but did not go on any combat deployments.

In 2002, Craddock graduated from Old Dominion University. He earned a degree in civil engineering. After completing his education, he began working as an engineer in the public utilities department of Virginia Beach. He worked in this position until he resigned just hours before the tragic events that would later occur.

On May 31, 2019, DeWayne Antonio Craddock entered the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, where he worked, and began a shooting spree. He first shot a person in a car in the parking lot and then another person on the steps of the building. After entering, he continued firing on all three floors, with no apparent specific target. The building served various city departments and had limited security.

During the incident, many employees and members of the public were initially unaware of the danger. Some thought the sounds were part of construction work, as renovations were ongoing. As news spread through phone calls and messages, people were instructed to evacuate or shelter in place. The police arrived but faced challenges due to security doors that required badges for access.

After killing twelve people, including eleven city employees and one contractor, Craddock was engaged by responding police officers. He was ultimately fatally shot during the exchange of fire. Various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, assisted local police in the response.

The shooter had legally acquired firearms in the years leading up to the incident. He was found to have two semi-automatic pistols, a suppressor, and multiple extended magazines, which he used in the assault. Four other individuals were injured, with three in critical condition.

Following the attack, the Virginia Beach police held a news conference to provide details about the victims and confirm the identity of the shooter. They announced that Craddock's name would be mentioned only once. Many community members gathered for vigils and memorials for those who lost their lives.