At least 16 people have died, including the suspected gunman in a mass shooting that took place over a 12 hour period in Canada on Sunday, April 19 2020 in the deadliest attack in the country’s history.
The gunman, disguised as a police officer, went on a shooting rampage in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia on Sunday, in the worst of such attacks in the country for 30 years.
A police officer was among those killed. Several bodies were found inside and outside one home in the small, rural town of Portapique, about 60 miles (100 kilometres) north of Halifax – what police called the first scene.
Bodies were also found at other locations and buildings set on fire.
“This is one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province’s history,” said Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spokesman Daniel Brien confirmed that 16 people had been killed in addition to the suspect.
The dead officer was identified as Constable Heidi Stevenson, a mother of two and a 23-year veteran of the force. Another officer was also wounded.
Police identified the man believed to be the shooter as Gabriel Wortman, 51, who was thought to live part of the time in Portapique. Authorities said he wore a police uniform at one point and made his car look like a RCMP vehicle.
Authorities believe he may have deliberately singled out his first victims before he began attacking randomly.
Police first announced that they had arrested Wortman at a petrol station in Enfield, outside Halifax, but later said he had died. It was not clear how and they did not explain further.
Brien, the RCMP spokesman, said he could not rule out that the death toll could still rise.
Police did not say what the initial motive was. RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said many of the victims did not know the attacker.
“That fact that this individual had a uniform and a police car at his disposal certainly speaks to it not being a random act,” Leather said. He added that police believe he acted alone.
At one point, there was an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and police, he said.
Late on Sunday morning, there were half a dozen police vehicles at the scene of the gas station where the suspect died. Yellow police tape surrounded the gas pumps, and a large silver-coloured four-wheel drive was being investigated.
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada. The country overhauled its gun-control laws after its worst mass shooting in 1989, when gunman Marc Lepine killed 14 women and himself at Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique college.
It is illegal to possess an unregistered handgun or any kind of rapid-fire weapon in Canada. Purchasing a weapon requires training, a personal risk assessment, two references, spousal notification and criminal record checks.
“As a country, in moments like these, we come together to support one another. Together we will mourn with the families of the victims, and help them get through this difficult time,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a written statement.
Below is a statement from Nova Scotia RCMP Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman:
Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia and it will remain etched in the minds of many, for years to come.
What has unfolded overnight and into this morning is incomprehensible and many families are experiencing the loss of a loved one.
That includes our own RCMP family. It is with tremendous sadness that I share with you that we lost Cst. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the Force who was killed this morning, while responding to an active shooter incident.
Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served.
Earlier this afternoon, I met with Heidi’s family and there are no words to describe their pain. Two children have lost their mother and a husband his wife. Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague.
Heidi’s family is a part of our RCMP family and we will embrace and support them in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Unfortunately, I have to also share that another one of our officers was injured and is in hospital receiving treatment of non-life threatening injuries. He and his family will be supported and we will be alongside him as he begins his road to recovery.
This tragic incident has also resulted in many victims outside of the RCMP.
Countless families are in mourning today. Each person who lost their life had family and friends and they too will need support.
The impact of this incident will extend from one end of this province to the other. As Nova Scotians, we have to do what we are known for. And come together in times of need and support one another.
