The death toll in Nova Scotia has climbed to 18 according to media reports, not counting the shooter.
RCMP in Nova Scotia warned residents as the horror unfolded, that the suspect was driving a replica police cruiser and was wearing an RCMP uniform.
The incident began in the small town of Portapique, Nova Scotia. RCMP confirm the gunman is deceased.
The flags are flying at half-mast at Confederation Building as Newfoundland and Labrador sends condolences.
We are with you Nova Scotia. @StephenMcNeil pic.twitter.com/oFRBa3XcGS
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) April 20, 2020
A CTV reporter who is covering the evolving story knew the shooter growing up.
The Globe and Mail is reporting that the shooter was a denturist who had a life-long fascination with RCMP and bought and restored old police cruisers.
Todd Battis of CTV told the VOCM Morning Show that he knew the shooter growing up in New Brunswick.
He described the shooter as “goofy, but decent” as a teen, but says clearly something changed in the intervening years.
You know this if you saw @CTVNationalNews tonight, but for transparency, I think important to say I knew the shooter. We grew up together in NB and graduated high school together. I sympathize with the loved ones of the victims.
— Todd Battis (@battisctv) April 20, 2020
Battis, in covering the story, witnessed part of the massive police response to the ongoing manhunt. He was on his way to Portapique when he encountered cruisers on the highway heading in the opposite direction towards Halifax.
He described a large number of police cruisers, an armoured vehicle and then a helicopter. The chase ended a short time later at a truck stop near Enfield, only minutes from Robert Stanfield airport.
Communities across Canada have been sharing messages of solidarity and condolence for those affected by the horrific attack.
