RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson was one of several people killed in a shooting spree in Nova Scotia. (Photo: Nova Scotia RCMP/Submitted)
RCMP confirmed late this evening at least 16 people have been killed, including one of their officers, after a shooting spree in rural Nova Scotia. The shooter is not included in the tally which police say may still rise.
The officer has been identified as Const. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year member of the force. A second officer is being treated in hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Police said the alleged gunman, who they previously identified as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, has also died.
RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather said after receiving several 911 calls, officers responded to a firearms call at a home in Portapique, about 30 kilometres west of Truro, on Saturday evening.
“When police arrived at the scene, members located several casualties inside and outside of the home. They did not, however, the suspect,” said Leather.
Leather said officers secured the area and began a search for the suspect, which led to “multiple sites” in the area, including structures which were on fire, and expanded through “multiple communities.”
At one point, police said the suspect was driving a vehicle made to look like an RCMP cruiser and appears to have been wearing an RCMP uniform.
“The search for the suspect ended this morning when the suspect was located and I can confirm that he is deceased,” said Leather.
“We believe it to be one person who was responsible for all of the killing,” he said, adding the killings took place in “several” locations throughout the province.
Leather said it is too early to tell what the motivation was but it appears to be, at least in part, “very random in nature.” He said some of the victims “appeared not to have a relationship” with the accused.
“Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia and it will remain etched in the minds of many for many years to come,” said commanding officer Lee Bergman.
“What has unfolded overnight and into this morning is incomprehensible and many families are experiencing the loss of a loved one.”
Bergman said she met with Stevenson’s family Sunday afternoon and there are no words to describe their pain.
“Two children have lost their mother and a husband has lost his wife. Parents have lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague,” she said.
Prime Minister, Premiers Respond To Shooting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the shooting during the start of his daily COVID-19 briefing on Sunday.
“My heart goes out to everyone affected in what is a terrible situation. I want to thank the police for their hard work and people for cooperating with authorities,” said Trudeau.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said the shooting is one of the most senseless acts of violence in the province’s history, calling it a devastating day.
“What happened here in our province is not who we are- it may change us a little, but it cannot define us,” he said. “We are strong, we are community-minded, and we take care of each other, so let’s do that now, let’s do that together.”
McNeil said everyone in the province is with people who lost loved ones. He said it is OK to be sad, angry, and to feel helpless, but it is not OK to bear those feelings alone.
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs also issued a statement about the incident.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of all of those who lost their lives in this terrible incident, including RCMP Cst. Heidi Stevenson. Our heartfelt thoughts are also with another RCMP officer and the other people who were injured,” Higgs said.
Higgs said he also spoke to Nova Scotia’s premier and offered any assistance from New Brunswick if needed.
“A tragedy of this nature is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that police officers and other emergency responders make for our communities – sometimes putting their own lives at risk. Our hearts go out to the people of Nova Scotia during this time of sorrow,” he said.
