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As it happenedended

San Jose shooting: 8 dead at VTA rail yard in California as police confirm shooter took his own life

David Taintor,Oliver O'Connell
Wednesday 26 May 2021 17:30 EDT
Active shooter at VTA light rail yard, 2 fires burning in San Jose

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.

Report: Eight fatalities

Law enforcement sources have told The LA Times there were eight fatalities.

The suspect is said to be a 50-year-old male, who set his own house on fire, then drove to the Valley Transportation Authority union meeting and began shooting, the sources said. He then killed himself.

Multiple weapons and ammunition were reportedly found inside his home.

Law enforcement sources say that early indications are that the shooting was related to a workplace issue.

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 18:32

California rep Ro Khanna decries continuing US gun violence

California congressman Ro Khanna, who represents the district where the shooting occurred, tells CNN’s Ana Cabrera: “I’ve been in congress for almost 5 years and we haven’t passed a single thing on gun violence. We need to do something in this country, or we face these kinds of incidents again and again. ”

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 18:42

Officials confirm suspect is VTA employee

Multiple reports have identified the alleged suspect as a VTA employee. This was confirmed by officials.

He shot himself after killing eight others.

The bomb squad is now at the VTA building following up on reports of explosive devices inside.

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 18:53

FBI: Sizable crime scene

The FBI is on the scene of the San Jose VTA shooting where eight died in addition to the gunman.

“This is a sizable crime scene and this will take a while to process.”

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 19:03

Bomb squad at site of house fire

Two bomb squad techs have entered the South San Jose home of the suspected VTA shooter to make sure no explosive devices are inside, according to reports.

The home burned this morning in a suspicious fire.

A gas can and hundreds of rounds of ammo found were reportedly found inside.

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 19:09

VTA shooting - What we know so far

Justin Vallejo has the latest on this morning’s shooting in San Jose.

Multiple dead at mass shooting in California, police say

Nine people employees of the Valley Transportation Authority are dead, including the gunman

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 19:33

Senator Padilla following developments

California Senator Alex Padilla tweets: “My team and I are continuing to monitor this tragic news. My thoughts are with the entire San Jose community on this dark morning.”

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 19:49

Alleged gunman named by local media

Multiple local media sources report that the alleged gunman is VTA employee Sam Cassidy, a technician at the VTA rail yard.

The home at which this morning’s house fire took place is in his name. KTVU spoke with his ex-wife and she confirmed that they had lived there.

One employee at the VTA told his mother that he thought Mr Cassidy was “strange”.

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 20:07

Samuel Cassidy: Suspect identified in San Jose mass shooting

Police have identified railway technician Samuel James Cassidy, 57, as the suspect in a San Jose, California, mass shooting that left 9 people dead, including the gunman, at a light rail facility on Wednesday morning.

Multiple local media outlets, including KTVU, the San Jose Mercury Newsand a local NBC affiliate have reported the identity of the suspect, citing law enforcement sources.

Santa Clara County sheriff’s deputy Cian Jackson told The Independent they would not be releasing a name until the coroner’s office had informed the next of kin.

Josh Marcus reports for The Independent from San Francisco.

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 20:49

Biden briefed by Homeland Security Advisor

Per the White House pool report:

“The President has been briefed on the mass shooting and the tragic loss of life in San Jose by his Homeland Security Advisor, Liz Sherwood-Randall. The White House continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with local officials to offer any assistance as needed.”

Oliver O'Connell26 May 2021 21:10

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