RCMP described mass killings carried out by a gunman in Nova Scotia this weekend as “tragic” and “incomprehensible.” Police said at least 16 people are dead, including a 23-year veteran of the force. Here’s a look at what we know — and what we don’t.
RCMP described mass killings carried out by a gunman in Nova Scotia this weekend as “tragic” and “incomprehensible.”
Police said at least 16 people are dead, including a 23-year veteran of the RCMP.
The suspected shooter is also dead.
Here’s a look at what we know — and what we don’t.
Where and how did it start?
Nova Scotia RCMP responded to numerous 911 calls about a gun-related incident late Saturday night in the small community of Portapique, 33 kilometres west of Truro, N.S.
Police said at a news conference late Sunday afternoon that they found “several” casualties inside and outside a residence, but no suspect.
Police secured the area and began a search that led to multiple sites in the area, including structures on fire. They eventually pursued the suspect across several Nova Scotia communities. The province’s police watchdog, the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT), named the village of Shubenacadie as the site of a “serious criminal event.”
Crimes were scattered over at least 50 kilometres, police said. The suspect used his gun during the rampage, but may have used “other methods” as well, said RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather.
What do we know about the victims?
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said late Sunday night that the death toll had risen to at least 17, including the gunman.
The only named victim so far is RCMP veteran Const. Heidi Stevenson, who police say was killed Sunday morning responding to the incident. The married mother of two had been with the force for 23 years.
Police said a male RCMP officer was among the injured, but didn’t release his name. His injuries are not life-threatening, Leather said.
He said the civilian deaths appeared to be at least partly random.
What do we k