Samuel Case, FISM News
On Wednesday morning a horrific situation unfurled when a shooter murdered eight people at a rail yard in San Jose, California. The shooter is also dead, but reports differ as to the cause behind the violence.
At 6:30 a.m. several 911 calls were received regarding an active shooter situation. Currently the motive is unknown, but according to police the shooter worked at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) where the attack occurred.
Confirming that:
– Active Shooter at VTA Light Rail Yard around 6:45a
– Multiple casualties, extent of injuries being determined
– Suspect deceased
– Employees evacuated
– VTA service not impacted (trains were in service before incident)— VTA (@VTA) May 26, 2021
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Russell David said explosive devices were found at the scene, which required the attention of a bomb squad.
Authorities are also investigating a case of arson at what is believed to be the suspect’s home. It has been reported the fire started before the shooting at the rail yard.
At a news conference, Glenn Hendricks, the chairman of the VTA board, called the event “A horrible tragedy” and said “our thoughts and love go out to the VTA family.”
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo expressed his sympathies, saying: “These VTA employees helped us get through this horrific pandemic. They were showing up everyday to operate light rail and buses to ensure people could still go about their lives in the middle of the challenge of the pandemic. And they were taking risks with their own lives in doing so.”
The FBI is actively investigating the situation.