9 killed in California mass shooting

SAN FRANCISCO (China Daily/ANN) -- Nine people were killed and at least another injured Wednesday morning after a shooting at a Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) yard north of downtown San Jose in the US state of California, according to local authorities.

San Jose Bomb Squad technician prepares to enter the scene of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority mass shooting suspects house that was set ablaze in San Jose, California, US May 26, 2021.   --Photo agencies

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that nine people, including the gunman, died at the scene and one person was taken to a hospital, with no details on their conditions.
“The whole crew is gone, the whole shift is gone,” a VTA worker was quoted as saying in a San Jose local news report.
Law enforcement officials identified the gunman as Samuel Cassidy, a 57 year old VTA maintenance worker, whose motivation remained unknown. Sheriff’s officials and VTA officials confirmed that the shooting occurred at the facility at 101 Younger Avenue, and some of the victims were VTA employees.
At about 6:35 am, San Jose police received multiple 911 calls about gunfire at the VTA yard, and units responded to the scene. The shooter was confirmed dead at about 8:10 am.
Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation  and Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were at the shooting scene and were actively engaged in the investigation. Sheriff’s bomb squad personnel also were called to the VTA facility to do a thorough search for possible explosive devices, local media reported.
“There are at least eight families who will never be whole again. Every life taken by a bullet pierces the soul of our nation,” US President Joe Biden tweeted on the tragedy.
California Governor Gavin Newsom arrived at the VTA facility Wednesday afternoon and met with the families impacted by the shooting. He said at a press briefing that the “country needs to take action on gun violence.”
“This is a horrific day for our city, and it’s a tragic day for the VTA family,” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said. “Our heart pains for the families and the co-workers because we know that so many are feeling deeply this loss of their loved ones and their friends.”
A reunification center for VTA employees and families was set up at the County Building near the scene for those who may be looking for each other, officials said.

(Latest Update May 28, 2021)