Nova Scotia shootings: Here’s what we know so far — and what we don’t
It's one of the worst mass killings in Canadian history, and the search for answers, for any kind of explanation for the horrific crime, is underway.
RCMP are investigating the weekend shootings in northern Nova Scotia that claimed the lives of at least 19 people, including one of the police force's constables, and ended with the death of the shooter.
Here is some of what we know so far - and what we don't.
What happened?
RCMP were called to reports of a man with firearms in the small community of Portapique, N.S., on Saturday night. There, officers found numerous people dead, both inside and outside a property. But the shooter was gone, police say. An hours-long manhunt ensued.
Police confronted Gabriel Wortman at an Enfield truck stop. He was killed in the confrontation.
Who were the victims?
RCMP confirmed on Monday afternoon that 19 people are dead following the incident.
Identified as victims so far are:
RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year member of the national police force and a mother of two;
Debert Elementary school teacher Lisa McCully;
Care assistant Kristen Beaton;
Heather O'Brien, a nurse from Truro;
Couple Dawn and Frank Madsen;
Retired firefighter Tom Bagley;
Parents Aaron Tuck, Jolene Oliver, and daughter Emily Tuck;
Couple Greg and Jamie Blair
Who was the shooter?
Gabriel Wortman, 51. A Gabriel Wortman is listed as a denturist in Dartmouth, according to the Denturist Society of Nova Scotia website. A suspect photo issued by the RCMP matched video footage of a man being interviewed about dentures by CTV Atlantic in 2014.
Is there any explanation yet for the killer's actions?
Police have said the killings appeared to be, "at least in part, very random in nature." However there have also been other signs, that might suggest premeditation, including Wortman's donning of police attire and vehicle. At one point during the evening hours, Wortman was wearing a "portion" of a police uniform, and was driving a vehicle resembling an RCMP cruiser, authorities have said.
What has the response been?
The community of Portapique and the province of Nova Scotia have seen an outpouring of online support in the wake of the unprecedented mass shooting, with social media users posting #NovaScotiaStrong messages Sunday and Monday. Community members have been posting tributes about the people who lost their lives. In the morning hours, several people lined up along the road near an RCMP station, practising social distancing at the same time, to show their support.
What happens now?
RCMP are continuing their investigation into what happened. The police watchdog is also involved. The Serious Incident Response Team has taken over the investigation of the shooting of the suspect, in addition to two separate incidents related to the manhunt, according to the RCMP. The team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing. A public report into the incident must be filed within three months, after it is finished.