Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, was shaken by a tragic incident in the southern suburb late Wednesday night, leaving four children and two adults dead and another person injured. The Ottawa Police swiftly arrested a single male suspect at the scene, where he remains in custody pending his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon. Authorities assured the public that there was no ongoing threat to safety following the brutal attack.
Although the victims have not been officially identified by the police, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa confirmed that they were of Sri Lankan descent. The father of the family survived the attack, while his wife and children tragically lost their lives. The relation of the second adult victim to the family remains unclear at this time.
Initial reports from Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs described the incident as a “mass shooting” by a lone perpetrator, though a police spokesperson later clarified that the weapon used had not yet been confirmed. While the exact motive behind the attack is still under investigation, Chief Stubbs mentioned that it did not appear to be a case of domestic violence.
Residents in the Barrhaven neighborhood, about 20 kilometers south of downtown Ottawa, were stunned by the violent events that unfolded in their community. Witnesses reported seeing a man yelling in a driveway before police arrived on the scene, followed by additional emergency responders. By Thursday morning, the street was filled with police vehicles and a coroner’s van as forensic investigators worked at the scene.
As the investigation continues, police have scheduled a news conference for Thursday afternoon to provide more information on the tragic incident. Meanwhile, local schools and authorities are offering support to students and staff who may have been affected by the loss of life in the community. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, have expressed their condolences and shared their shock at the violence that took place in Barrhaven.