San Jose shooting: 8 dead at VTA rail yard in California as police confirm shooter took his own life
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Eight people were killed when a gunman opened fire at a light rail facility on Wednesday in San Jose, California, according to police. The suspected gunman, an employee at the facility, is also dead, according to officials.
The shooting occurred during a union meeting at a California light rail yard around 6.30am local time. Santa Clara Sheriff’s deputy Russell Davis was initially short on details about the shooting, telling reporters that there were “multiple fatalities” and “multiple injuries”.
Mr Davis confirmed the shooter was no longer a threat but did not specify a cause of death for the suspect, though reports are that he took his own life. He has since been named by local media, but officials are declining to officially identify him.
A nearby house fire that occurred at approximately the same time is being investigated, the FBI is on-site, and the bomb squad has been activated at both locations.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is in charge of the maintenance facility, which services rail, bus, and shuttle transportation. Rail service was suspended at noon local time.
Two victims taken to hospital
The local CBS affiliate reports that two victims have been taken to hospital at Valley Medical Centre.
Multiple victims and fatalities are reported by local news sources.
Local assemblymember says status quo on gun violence ‘unsustainable'
California Assemblymember Evan Low expressed his condolences and notes the constant threat of such incidents in American life, saying he hopes “we also acknowledge that the status quo on gun violence in this country is unsustainable”.
Press conference: Official confirms shooter was male
At a press conference, Santa Clara County Public Information Officer Russell Davis does not give any confirmation on the number of casualties or fatalities.
He also gives no details of how the situation ended with the death of the shooter, whom he confirms is male.
Another update is expected in an hour.
Shooting happened on VTA light rail yard
Glenn Hendricks, president of Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority says the shooting happened in the rail yard.
VTA service to be suspended from noon
Mr Hendricks is clearly very emotional in light of the tragedy. He says the VTA is like a family.
VTA rail service will be suspended from noon today with trains replaced by buses.
Mayor vows that nothing like this will happen again in city
Mayor of San Jose Sam Liccardo says it is a “horrific day for our city” and while today the focus is on the grieving families, he adds:
“My attention will then turn to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again in our city.”
Video: VTA president Glenn Hendricks addresses media
“VTA is a family. People in the organization know everyone. This is a terrible tragedy, and we will do everything we can to help people get through this.”
KTVU reports possible connection with house fire
KTVU reports a firefighter as saying that a house fire reported at about the same time as the shooting may have been at the alleged gunman’s property. The shooter has still not been named.
Two transported to hospital, one died in transit
A spokesperson for Valley Medical Center confirms that two male victims were brought to the hospital.
One was dead on arrival. The other is in critical condition.