Shooting spree in Nova Scotia shakes province to the core - By Arta Rexhepi

Nga: Arta Rexhepi, Dartmouth - Nova Scotia

A beloved teacher, nurse, and officer are one of the few named victims of the Nova Scotia shooting spree that unfolded this weekend, making it the deadliest in Canadian history.

A manhunt chase started late Saturday evening and lasted for almost 12 hours. a scene not usually found in a small rural town of Portapique, NS where gunman Gabriel Wartman owned several properties.

On Sunday morning, RCMP warned residents of an active shooter suspect wearing a police uniform and driving a falsified police cruiser. They also advised residents to hide in their basements. Several hours later after the police cruiser was engulfed in flame, Wortman switched to a utility vehicle he took by force from a member of the public. He was caught and killed at a gas station near the Halifax International Airport in Einfield, NS. One officer was killed, a mother of two and one other injured during the rampage.

On a press conference Monday afternoon, Chief Superintendent Chris Leather of the RCMP said that there was 16 shooting sites and five structure fires related to the shooting. There are 19 confirmed fatalities including the suspect but that number could change. "It appears that some of the victims were known to the suspect," Leather said.

The province of Nova Scotia launched a crisis line for those in need facing a difficult time. The province is mourning the tragic event. Flowers, bears were placed by shooting sites, Flags were waving at the city hall and thousands of support messages were sent to the families of the victims via a dedicated line organized by the RCMP.

On a press conference held today, Canadian Prime Minister offered support to Nova Scotia and the families of the victims “Today is a truly heartbreaking day for all of Canada, and I know the people of Nova Scotia are especially shaken and looking for answers.

Tragedies like today are horrific and should never happen. I want to share my deepest condolences with all those suffering right now, particularly the families and friends of the many innocent people that were killed.' Trudeau also asked the media to focus on reporting on the victims, not the shooter. 'I want to ask the media to not mention the name or photo of the shooter. Do not give him the gift of infamy.' He said during a press conference.

The shooter, a 51-year-old was a successful denturist working in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and is described as a nice guy by friends and acquaintances but one neighbor told the National Post that he had a troubling relationship and that he had an obsession with his girlfriend. The neighbor also said he had a collection of RCMP memorabilia and an obsession with RCMP, his motives aren't confirmed by RCMP and are currently being investigated.

Province of Nova Scotia is currently practicing social distancing due to the pandemic of Covid-19.  A state of emergency during this pandemic means no funerals. No memorials or community gatherings. The mourning will also be done in isolation.