At least five dead, including police officer, in shooting in North Carolina (USA)

Oct 14 ()

Authorities in North Carolina have reported at least five dead, including an off-duty police officer, from a shooting in the eastern U.S. city of Raleigh.

At least five people have been killed–including a police officer–while two people have been transported to hospital facilities. One of the wounded is also a police officer, although his condition is minor.

Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin detailed the death toll at a press conference alongside the relevant authorities, before lamenting that it is “a sad and tragic day for the city.” “We all need to come together. We need to support those who have suffered,” she added.

Local police have indicated in a message via their Twitter account that the suspect has been arrested, after Baldwin reported at the press conference that law enforcement had the would-be attacker “contained” in a building in the area.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper later confirmed the arrest, while thanking the emergency services and law enforcement for their efforts.

“The swift and coordinated efforts of local and state law enforcement have the suspect in custody and we are grateful for their efforts. We mourn for the victims of this horrific and infuriating act of violence,” Cooper has expressed on Twitter.

“Tonight terror has come to our doorstep. The nightmare of every community has come to Raleigh,” the governor lamented in statements to reporters picked up by WRAL News.

The authorities have not given details about the identity or age of the suspect. However, the network has been able to learn that the detainee is a young white man. WRAL News previously described the attacker as a man dressed in camouflage and armed with a shotgun, according to a witness.

The Raleigh Police Department has warned at 23.55 Spanish peninsular time that it is on the scene of an “active shooting”, so it recommends that residents in the area remain in their homes.

“Residents in the area of McConnell Oliver Drive, Tarheel Club Drive and Old Milburnie Road are advised to stay indoors. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes,” the city’s police force said in messages posted on the social network Twitter.

“This is still an active investigation. Sections of the Hedingham neighborhood remain closed. Residents should follow the instructions of law enforcement officials at the scene,” they remarked.

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