A gunman, in a 12-hour rampage killed at least 16 people, including a female police officer, in the province of Nova Scotia, Canadian police say.
He shot many people in several locations across Nova Scotia – final death toll is not yet established. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable (RCMP) Heidi Stevenson, who had served in the force for 23 years, was among those killed.
Nova Scotia RCMP Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman posted on Facebook that: “Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served,”
“Two children have lost their mother and a husband his wife. Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague,” Commissioner Bergerman said.
Residents in the rural town of Portapique had been advised to lock themselves indoors after the attack began on Saturday.
Police earlier said the suspect was driving what appeared to be a police car.
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said she believed the gunman had an initial “motivation” that later “turned to randomness”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described it as “a terrible situation” and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil told reporters “this is one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province’s history.”
