Security guards recovering after shooting at VFW post in Willingboro
WILLINGBORO, N.J. (WPVI) -- Two security guards remain hospitalized after being shot at a VFW facility in Willingboro, New Jersey.
They were both shot during Ladies Night at VFW Post 4914 on Creekview Road.
William Matthews is one of those guards.
"He was shot in the head, but they said he's very blessed or fortunate," said Matthews' wife, Diana, "because it didn't hit his brain."
It was a mixed crowd of both men and women. At around 11:30 p.m. there was some kind of a disturbance involving a guest.
"My husband said, 'You got to leave,' and ushered him out the door," said Diana Matthews. "Well, my husband thought it was over at that point. He came back with a gun, shot my husband and then shot the other security guard."
That guard is identified by club members as E. Mark Peterson, who was shot twice in the arm.
Both were airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden for treatment.
The suspect took off in the chaos. Action News is told police have surveillance video from inside the VFW.
"I'm one hundred percent confident in our police department," said Willingboro Mayor Chris Walker. "They were on it from the very beginning. They are pursuing leads, and, once again, I'm confident that very soon someone will be apprehended."
VFW officials are horrified by the violence and afraid it will overshadow the various community service projects the club runs.
"It really hurts because it doesn't represent what these veterans stand for, you know?" said Post Commander Larry Williams. "We stand for love. We stand for peace."
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