Virginia Beach Weighs Emergency Curfews After Oceanfront Shooting

Emergency Curfews Under Consideration

Virginia Beach leaders are weighing stricter weekend curfews following a recent shooting at the Oceanfront and growing concerns about large nighttime crowds.

City Council is expected to vote Thursday on a proposed ‘imminent threat’ curfew that could begin as early as 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through the end of April. The move comes after gunfire erupted Saturday night in the 1800 block of Atlantic Avenue, leaving six people injured. Police say the victims range in age from 18 to 24, and the investigation remains ongoing.

37 Minors Detained During Curfew Enforcement

In a separate but related effort, Virginia Beach Police conducted an unplanned curfew enforcement operation at the Oceanfront on the nights of March 7 and 8.

Officers took 37 unaccompanied minors into custody. Thirty-four were released to their parents with warnings, while three were arrested and taken to the juvenile detention center. Police said two of those arrested were found carrying firearms illegally.

The city has already announced that its standard nightly curfew for unaccompanied minors will shift from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m., beginning March 19, in an effort to reduce late-night incidents during the busy spring season.

Crash Closes Holland Road Intersection

Elsewhere in the city, Virginia Beach Police responded to a serious crash Sunday morning at the intersection of Holland Road and South Independence Boulevard.

The intersection was temporarily closed as Virginia State Police took over the investigation. Officials have not yet released details about injuries or what led to the collision.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while crews worked the scene.

City leaders say public safety remains the top priority as Virginia Beach heads into the spring tourism season.

Sources

https://www.whro.org/local-government/2026-03-11/after-crowds-and-violence-at-the-resort-virginia-beach-to-consider-emergency-curfews-on-weekends
https://virginiabeach.gov/connect/news/update-shooting-investigation-1800-block-of-atlantic-avenue
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/curfew-enforcement-virginia-beach-leads-201545193.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/virginia-beach-police-investigate-crash-113249015.html