Canada: Death toll increases to 19 in Nova Scotia province shooting as of April 20 /update 2

Event

Canadian authorities confirmed on Monday, April 20, that the death toll in the Nova Scotia province shooting, including the suspected gunman, has risen to at least 19 people. The gunman had reportedly dressed as a police officer and disguised his car to resemble a police vehicle as he fired on people in their homes and set properties and vehicles alight during a 12-hour rampage across several locations in the province on Saturday, April 18. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has furthermore stated that they expect the death toll to rise as investigations continue in homes that were burnt to the ground.

Context

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the incident began on the night (local time) of April 18 and impacted areas across the northern part of Nova Scotia, starting from Portapique town. The shooter led the police on a chase on Sunday morning, April 19, which ended at a gas station in Enfield, approximately 35 km (22 mi) north of Halifax at around 11:40. A motive for the incident remains unclear

Advice

Individuals in the Portapique (Nova Scotia province) area are advised to monitor developments and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.