Ramesh was startled by commotion just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday night in the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven. A violent attack had occurred at a home on Berrigan Drive, leaving six people dead and one injured. The victims, four children and two adults, were allegedly from Sri Lanka, according to the Sri Lankan high commission in Ottawa.
When the police arrived at the scene, they found a male suspect who was promptly arrested and taken into custody. Authorities assured the public that there was no ongoing threat to safety, though the situation remained grave. Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs originally described the incident as a “mass shooting” but later clarified that the weapon used had not been confirmed.
Neighbors were shocked by the tragic events that unfolded on their street, with multiple police cars, ambulances, and forensic investigators responding to the scene. The community was in disbelief, struggling to come to terms with such a senseless act of violence.
As investigations continued, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other political leaders expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and the affected community. The Ottawa Catholic School Board also extended its sympathies, offering support to those impacted by the tragedy.
The tight-knit neighborhood of Barrhaven, just 20 kilometers south of downtown Ottawa, was left reeling from the loss of six lives in such a horrific manner. The sheer brutality of the attack left residents questioning what could drive someone to commit such an atrocity.
Despite the sorrow and shock that gripped the community, residents came together to support each other through this difficult time. The tragic events served as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. As authorities worked diligently to uncover more details about the incident, the community rallied around those affected, offering comfort and solidarity in the face of unspeakable tragedy.