After a shooting rampage that ended in a fatal car chase and shootout in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, at least seventeen people, including one member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the primary suspect are confirmed dead. The attack began at about 22:30-23:00 local time in the rural community of Portapique and ended with the death of the gunman, identified as 51 year-old Gabriel Wortman, at a Irving Oil Big Stop gas station, Enfield, on Highway 102 about 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) away from the location the attack started. Among the dead is RCMP officer Heidi Stevenson, who had served for 23 years. Meanwhile, another officer suffered a gunshot wound, but is now in stable condition.
According to RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, though the motive for the attack is still under investigation, she believes that Mr. Wortman had an initial "motivation" which "turned into randomness" as police forces attempted to apprehend him. Several of those killed did not know Mr. Wortman. Police spokespeople stated that the suspect wore an RCMP uniform though he was not employed by the RCMP, and drove what appeared to be a mock-up police vehicle numbered 28B11. He later changed cars and drove a "small silver Chevrolet SUV". RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather stated he suspected that Mr. Wortman had planned his attack considering the preparation.
Police authorities initially stated that they had arrested the suspect, but later said that Mr. Wortman was dead, but did not give any cause of death. It is unclear whether the incident is terror related or is linked to mental illness.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the incident as "a terrible situation" while Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil stated that "this is one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province's history".
This post will be updated or a new post will be created once further details are available. Please note that the death toll and injury count is subject to change, as a final number has not yet been released. All figures and numbers along with the timeline of what happened are retrieved from press releases, statements, and Tweets by RCMP and Canadian government/authorities.
