6 dead, including 4 children, in Ottawa mass shooting

Six people — four children and two adults — were killed in what Ottawa's police chief called a mass shooting inside a townhouse in the suburb of Barrhaven late Wednesday night.

Calls to 911 started coming in at about 10:50 p.m., directing first responders to Berrigan Drive near Palmadeo Drive. It's a residential area close to two schools.

Inside, emergency responders found six people dead and one injured person, who was taken to hospital.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, police said, and their investigation continues.

A male, who police also haven't identified, was arrested at the scene about 15 kilometres south of Ottawa's downtown core.

The force said there is no ongoing risk to public safety.

Neighbour describes police response to Ottawa multiple homicide

1 hour ago

Duration 1:10

Police responded late Wednesday to a 911 call in Barrhaven, a suburban community in Ottawa's southwest, to find six people dead. One person was arrested at the scene.

Not believed to be intimate partner violence

In an interview with CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning, police Chief Eric Stubbs said the force can't yet comment about the relationship, if any, between the victims and the suspect.

He said investigators do not believe it to be a case of intimate partner violence.

"This is a tragic file … and it will greatly impact the city of Ottawa, let alone the immediate neighbourhood in Barrhaven. So obviously we encourage everybody to reach out and get help to help manage themselves through this traumatic event," Stubbs said.

In a separate interview on CBC News Network later Thursday, he called the incident a mass shooting.

'Shocking'

After hearing the news early Thursday, Barrhaven resident David Brose came to the scene.

"I'm obviously in shock … it's tough," he said, his voice breaking. "I'm just in awe. I can't believe it."

On social media, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe called it "one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city's history."

Coun. Wilson Lo, who represents the area at city hall, said on social media that he was "saddened to learn of the tragic loss of six Barrhaven neighbours," and that his thoughts are with their loved ones and people close by.

The coroner and forensic investigators in protective suits were at the scene Thursday morning, preparing to enter the townhouse.

Property records show it has been owned by two people since 2013.

CBC is working to confirm more details.