HALIFAX — RCMP say one of their own is 'in excess of 10 people' killed in a shooting rampage in Nova Scotia.
At a news conference Sunday night, Commanding Officer Lee Bergerman confirmed Cst. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year member, died while responding to an active shooter incident.
A second RCMP officer has been taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He has not been identified by officials.
Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said Mounties were called to a residence in Portapique. Responding officers found several casualties inside and outside of a home.
Leather added there are multiple victims at several locations.
"In excess of 10 people have been killed, but the investigation is still ongoing and I expect to have more details in that regard in the coming days," Leather said.
"We're not fully aware of what that total may be because, as we're standing here, the investigation continues in areas that we've not yet explored across the province," he added.
- EARLIER STORY: Active shooter suspect, RCMP officer dead in Nova Scotia
Leather confirmed the suspected gunman, 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, is deceased.
Nova Scotia's premier is describing the active shooter situation as "one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province's history."
Stephen McNeil ended his Sunday COVID-19 update by calling this a "devastating day."
"It's okay to be sad, it's okay to be angry and it's okay to feel helpless, but what's not okay is to bear all of those feelings alone," he said.
The premier is encouraging Nova Scotians to reach out to friends, family and neighbours, or to call the provincial crisis line at 1-888-429-8167, which is toll free.
"What happened here in our province is not who we are," McNeil said. "It may change us a little, but it can not define us."
"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."
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