8 Killed in San Jose Shooting

On Wednesday morning, a gunman opened fire at a public transit rail yard in San Jose, California, killing at least 8 co-workers and wounding several others, Deputy Russell Davis of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said.

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Deputy Davis added that the gunman, who was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), is also dead. Law enforcement officers did not exchange gunfire with the gunman. Authorities believe he took his own life. Here’s everything we know about the shooting:

The gunman

The gunman has been identified as Sam Cassidy. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said that “the victims and all the colleagues knew the shooter well.” Laurie Smith, the Santa Clara County Sheriff, said the victims worked together. 

The shooting

The shooting started just after 6:30 a.m. PT. A number of 911 calls reported shots fired close to a VTA control center. 

The victims

While the names of the victims are yet to be released, the Mayor stated he has already spoken to three families. Liccardo described the victims as essential workers who put their lives at risk by showing up for work every day during the pandemic. 

The motive

Law enforcement authorities are looking into Sam Cassidy’s motive. Authorities are also at present investigating a fire that is believed to have occurred in the gunman’s home. 

An American epidemic

President Joe Biden offered his sympathies to the families of the victims and urged Congress to act on gun law reform. “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,” Biden said.

This mass shooting is so far the 232nd incident to take place this year, in which at least 4 people have been shot. 

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