A gunman opened fire earlier today at a public transit rail yard in San Jose, California, killing at least nine people and injuring many others.
According to CNN, authorities said the male suspect identified as Samuel Cassidy — confirmed dead — was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority.
Deputy Russell Davis of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said cops also received tips about explosive devices inside the transit building, and the bomb squad is currently investigating. VTA employees were confirmed among the victims.
VTA Board Chairperson Glenn Hendricks told the media that the shooting occurred in the rail yard — not the operations control center — at a time when light rail was starting up for the day. The yard is where the VTA vehicles are maintained and then dispatched.
“A horrible tragedy has happened today, and our thoughts and love goes out to the VTA family, the organization and what they’ve had to go through,” Hendricks stated.
Light rail service will be suspended for the day as of noon, the VTA said, as the current crime scene investigation has limited its ability to provide service.
