The Canadian flag along Veterans Boulevard has been lowered to half-staff after an RCMP officer was killed in the line of duty along with over a dozen civilians, in a rampage in Nova Scotia over the weekend.

According to RCMP at least 18 people, including the veteran officer were killed.

The victims include RCMP Constable Heidi Stephenson, teacher Lisa McCully, nurses Heather O'Brien and Kristen Beaton and correctional officers Sean McLeod and Allana Jenkins.

"Anytime I hear that there is either a police person, or a paramedic, or a firefighter that's been killed in Canada in the Line of duty, I lower the flag for three days," said CD Cpl Ret. Norman McRae, with the Airdrie Royal Canadian Legion.

"These people put their lives on the line to keep us safe and people need to remember that."

The rampage began late Saturday night in the small community of Portapique, and continued until late Sunday morning when the gunman was killed during a shootout with RCMP in Enfield. Police are examining multiple crime scenes describing the killings, in part, as very random.

Gabriel Wortman, 51, is believed to be responsible for the killings. Mounties say at one point it’s believed he was dressed as an RCMP officer and was driving a vehicle resembling that of a police cruiser. Police have not offered any motive in the case.

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil described the massacre as ``one of the most senseless acts of violence'' in the province's history.

 

Send your news tips, story ideas and comments to news@discoverairdrie.com