Ottawa, Canada – Ottawa police are investigating a tragic incident that left four children and two adults dead, with another person injured, following an attack by a lone individual in a suburb of Ottawa. Police Chief Eric Stubbs initially referred to the incident as a “mass shooting,” although officials have not confirmed this yet.
The harrowing scene unfolded Wednesday night when police responded to a townhouse in Barrhaven just before 11 p.m. The bodies were discovered, and one man was swiftly arrested. Chief Stubbs assured the public that there is no longer a threat to public safety.
The victims, believed to be a family of Sri Lankan nationals according to Sri Lanka’s high commission in Ottawa, have not been officially identified. The father survived, but his wife and children tragically lost their lives, with family members in Colombo being informed.
Neighbors in the close-knit Barrhaven community expressed shock and disbelief, with many witnessing the aftermath from their homes. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to establish the relationship between the suspect and the victims. Chief Stubbs emphasized that such a mass shooting is uncommon in the normally safe neighborhood.
As authorities continued to process the scene and gather evidence, community members grappled with the heartbreaking news. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe both extended their condolences to the families of the victims and the city as a whole.
The community, still reeling from the tragedy, is coming together to support one another during this difficult time. Police continue to ask for any information that may assist in the investigation. A media update is expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.