A Virginia Walmart shooting survivor says she reported 'disturbing and threatening behavior' from the gunman — but the superstore let him keep working there

• A woman who survived the Virginia Walmart shooting claims she reported the gunman's behavior.
• The gunman "demonstrated a pattern of disturbing behavior leading up to the shooting," the lawsuit says.

A woman who works at the Chesapeake, Virginia, Walmart where a gunman opened fire and killed six people last week alleges that she had reported his "disturbing and threatening behavior" to the store — but they let him work there anyway.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Chesapeake Circuit Court, Donya Prioleau claimed the gunman — who had been working at the Walmart since 2010 — has been "disciplined on several occasions" and was "demoted by management for his improper and disturbing interactions with others," before being reinstated as a team lead.

The gunman "demonstrated a pattern of disturbing behavior leading up to the shooting, which Walmart knew, or should have known," according to the lawsuit filed against Walmart by law firm Morgan & Morgan on behalf of Prioleau.

Walmart did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Prioleau alleges she submitted a formal complaint on September 10, 2022, to Walmart that the gunman had "bizarrely and inappropriately commented on Ms. Prioleau's age" and that he called her a "bitch" in passing.

The lawsuit goes on to allege that "many" employees at the Walmart had "observed [the gunman] exhibit bizarre and threatening behavior leading up to the shooting."

"Walmart's management... had received numerous reports that Mr. Bing was bullying, threatening, and harassing other employees," the lawsuit said.

Prioleau is asking for Walmart to pay $50 million in compensatory damages as well as other costs. She said that she has experienced psychological harm, sleeplessness, severe anxiety, stomach pain, and arm and knee injuries as a result of the shooting.

The lawsuit comes as Walmart store associates continue to process the shooting. John Furner, Walmart US president and CEO, told employees in a message Tuesday that two associates from the Cheseapeake store remain in the hospital.

"Nothing can replace these beautiful lives, or heal the scars their loved ones have now suffered," Furner said. "As we grieve, we're supporting these families with funeral, travel and other expenses."

Furner added that all Walmart associates and families have free access to confidential and mental health support resources.

Additionally, the Walmart Foundation, Walmart's charity arm, will give $1 million to the United Way of South Hampton Roads' Hope and Healing Fund, which will support those impacted by the shooting and the Cheseapeake community.