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“I never imagined when I went to bed last night that I would wake up to the horrific news that an active shooter was on the loose in Nova Scotia,” McNeil said in Halifax at a previously scheduled news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Words cannot console the families affected by what has transpired over the last 24 hours.”

McNeil did not confirm any deaths, and asked people not to speculate or spread rumours as the “active investigation” continues and the families grieve.

“We’re all in shock that such a thing could happen here in Nova Scotia, and there’s a heavy burden to bear on top of COVID-19. But now more than ever we must stay strong together,” he said.

The incident started in the small, rural town of Portapique with residents reporting police vehicles filling the streets and advising residents of the community about 40 kilometres west of Truro to lock their homes and stay in their basements.

Several building fires were reported by residents as well, but police didn’t immediately confirm details.

Christine Mills, a resident of the town, said it had been a frightening night for the small town, which suddenly filled with armed officers patrolling the streets. In the morning, helicopters flew overhead searching for the suspect.

“I feel better now to know he’s in custody,” she said, adding she was fearful the shooter might have gone through the woods and attempted to enter her home.

“It’s nerve wracking because you don’t know if somebody has lost their mind and is going to beat in your front door,” she said.