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.
Vice president says shooting ‘absolutely tragic'
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has family in the city of San Jose told reporters: “The shooting in San Jose, the facts are still revealing themselves but it is absolutely tragic, it’s absolutely tragic.”
Bomb squad has left the home connected with shooting
A bomb squad robot can be seen behind police vehicles outside the home connected with this morning’s shooting.
Officers did not exchange fire with shooter, he died of self-inflicted gunshot wound
The latest press briefing is underway.
The shooting happened during a shift change when most people were present at the rail yard.
Multiple local and federal agencies responded to the shooting.
Officials confirm that eight people were killed in addition to the shooter.
Responding officers did not exchange fire with the shooter and he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sheriff confirms that shooting occurred in two buildings
Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith confirms that the shooting took place in two separate buildings and was still underway when officers arrived on the scene.
Newsom: What the hell is going on in the United States of America?
Speaking at the latest press briefing, California governor Gavin Newsom noted the “numbness” that sets in after these mass shootings.
“What the hell is going on in the United States of America?” he asks. “What is wrong with us? When are we going to put down our arms? ...including politics.”
“I’m not just going to express my condolences... the usual platitudes,’’ says Mr Newsom in San Jose “We’re going to be there for the victims... but it’s time to deal with this pandemic... of gun violence... it’s raised its ugly head this year... and take a little damn responsibility.”
Video: California governor Gavin Newsom speaks about San Jose shooting
“There’s a numbness I imagine some of us are feeling about this, because there’s a sameness to this. Anywhere, USA. It just feels like this happens over and over and over again. Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat.”
Statement of President Joe Biden on the Mass Shooting in San Jose
Vice President Harris and I have been briefed on the horrific tragedy that took place this morning in San Jose, where a lone gunman murdered at least eight people and wounded several others at a county rail yard.
We are still awaiting many of the details of this latest mass shooting, but there are some things we know for sure. There are at least eight families who will never be whole again. There are children, parents, and spouses who are waiting to hear whether someone they love is ever going to come home. There are union brothers and sisters – good, honest, hardworking people – who are mourning their own.
I have the solemn duty of yet again of ordering the flag to be lowered at half-staff, just weeks after doing so following the mass shootings at spas in and around Atlanta; in a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado; at a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina; and at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Enough.
Once again, I urge Congress to take immediate action and heed the call of the American people, including the vast majority of gun owners, to help end this epidemic of gun violence in America.
Every life that is taken by a bullet pierces the soul of our nation. We can, and we must, do more.
God bless all those whose lives were lost today, and all those who loved them.
Officials: More than 40 rescued from VTA buildings
More than 40 people were rescued from the VTA railyard site according to San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata.
One person who was injured remains in critical condition in hospital.
Biden urges Congress to act on gun control
Joe Biden has urged Congress to act on gun control in the wake of the San Jose mass shooting.
Graeme Massie reports for The Independent from Los Angeles.
Biden urges Congress to act on gun control in wake of San Jose mass shooting
Joe Biden has urged Congress to act on gun control in the wake of the San Jose mass shooting.