(Image source from: usatoday.com)

While the entire world is fighting a pandemic, Canada witnessed the worst mass shootings in its history on Sunday at Nova Scotia. The alleged was dressed as a policeman and went on a rampage, shooting and killing over 18 people in what the country deems as the deadliest mass shooting in the country’s history.

Gabriel Wortman, 51-year old, who is the alleged shooter was killed in a confrontation with the police on Sunday in Enfield, Nova Scotia. The motives of the shooter hence remain unknown.

Chris Leather, Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Chief Superintendent said that there were atleast 18 victims who were dead. It is still unclear whether Leather’s figures included the gunman or not.

In a conference on Monday, Leather said that all the victims were adults and included both men and women. He further went on to saying that some of the victims were familiar with the shooter.

The police has been consistently investigation the areas in and around Portapique, which is where the shooting began.

People have also expressed their grief over the fact on how they were grieve and mourn over the relatives who lost their lives in the tragic mass shooting because of the social distancing protocols.

Mike Savage, Mayor of Halifax, said that the entire city of Nova Scotia is devastated. He further took to twitter to share his thoughts saying, “As we wait for more details of this horrific crime there is an ominous silence that is unprecedented in my lifetime. This will not define us as a Province, but it has shaken us to our core."

The shooting reportedly started at 11:30 at night on Sunday at Portapique in Nova Scotia which is a small rural community located a few hundred kilometres away from Halifax. The shooting happened consistently for a few hours at a stretch.

The alleged, Worthman was disguised as a police officer and was in a car that closely resembled that of a police patrol car, RCMP reported.

Out of the victims, 23-year old veteran Heidi Stevenson was killed in the process. She was married and mother to two children.

Nova Scotia RCMP further stated saying, “Two children have lost their mother and a husband his wife. Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague.”

Aside from that, an elementary school teacher, Lisa McCully was also killed in the shooting. People who knew her have expressed their shock and grief stating how amazing of a human being she was.

The deceased’s sister, Jenny Kierstead said that everyone’s hearts are broken for this loss.

Heather O'Brien and Kristen Beaton, who are healthcare workers were also killed in the shooting.

This is the deadliest mass shooting that has happened in Canada since the 1989's Ecole Polytechnique massacre that claimed 14 lives.

Even the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said in a press conference that such a tragedy should never have happened in the first place.

"Violence of any kind has no place in Canada. We stand with you and we grieve with you, and you can count on our government's full support during this incredibly painful time," Trudeau added.

Trudeau also said that since the protocols for social distancing are in place for fighting Covid-19, an online vigil is going to take place for the victims on Friday evening to allows their friends, family and relatives to take part.

Trudeau emphasised the need to now come together and support each other as a community, especially after what happened yesterday.

By Somapika Dutta