VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer held a news conference Friday afternoon regarding the resignation of City Manager Dave Hansen.
Hansen announced earlier this week he would be stepping down from his post. He had faced questions about his handling of May’s mass shooting, with some even calling for him to resign.
A source at city hall told 10 On Your Side’s Andy Fox he stepped aside because of pushback from city council members.
The city issued a news release Friday morning that said Dyer and Vice Mayor James Wood will “set the record straight” on Hansen’s departure at Friday’s news conference.
“I’m disappointed by the media coverage for its lack of accuracy and sometimes fairness to Mr. Hansen,” said Dyer during the press conference. “It is untrue that his resignation was related to his handling of May 31. I’m not aware of any member of city council criticizing his performance of the aftermath of the tragedy or it being a factor in his resignation.”
“When I became a city councilman in 2004 in Centerville District, whenever I needed something, Dave was there,” said Dyer, who spoke about his relationship with Hansen. “That’s why I’m here today, and trust me when I’m saying I wish there was more I could say, but it’s a tough one.”
Dyer did not answer questions from the media and Wood did not speak at the conference.