A mass shooting at a Valley Transportation Authority rail yard killed nine people, including the VTA employee who opened fire, according to authorities.
SAN JOSE, Calif. â In one of the Bay Areaâs worst mass shootings, a Valley Transportation Authority employee known for nursing grievances and a hot temper opened fire early Wednesday morning at a VTA light rail yard building, killing eight people and wounding others before taking his own life, authorities said.
Rochelle Hawkins, a VTA mechanic, said when she heard shots she dropped her phone.
âI was running so fast, I just ran for my life,â she said. âI would hope everyone would just pray for the VTA family. Just pray for us.â
The gunman was identified by multiple sources as Samuel Cassidy, a 57-year-old VTA maintenance worker. Authorities would not say what might have led to the rampage, what type of weapon was used or whether he obtained it legally.
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In California: 9 dead in San Jose. Newsom asks, What the hell is wrong with us? Winston Gieseke, USA TODAY
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9 dead in shooting rampage at San Jose rail yard
Police spokesman Russell Davis said the gunman was an employee at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail hub, and other employees were among the victims. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said the gunman took his own life.