17 people killed in shooting in Canada

OTTAWA - Now 17 people were killed, including the gunman, in a 12-hour shooting rampage in several communities in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia on Sunday, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The gunman was identified as Gabriel Wortman, 51. His shooting rampage began late Saturday night in Portapique, about 130 kilometers north of Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia.

Calling on residents to remain in their homes with their doors locked, police secured the area in Portapique and started searching for the gunman in several sites in the area, including structures that were on fire.

Police began to chase the gunman and gunfire was exchanged between the police and the gunman. A female police officer was killed and a policeman injured.

The chase ended near a gas station about 35 kilometers north of Halifax around 12 a.m. Sunday local time when the gunman was killed.

In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his condolences. "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."

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil expressed his shock to the horrific incident. "This is one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province's history."

"Our hearts are heavy with grief and sadness today as we have lost one of our own. Our thoughts go out to our member's family and friends," said Brian Sauve, president of Canadian National Police Federation union, in a statement.

Agencies