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A gunman disguised as an officer shot and killed 18 people in their homes in Nova Scotia, Canada. The mass shooting is the deadliest in the history of the country.

According to authorities, the gunman identified as Gabriel Wortman started killing people late Saturday. They believed that Wortman probably targeted his first victims and then decided to shoot other people randomly.

The mass shooting happened in the small towns of Portapique, Truro, Milford, and Enfield. Authorities said the gunman also set fires on several homes in these towns.

RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said, “That fact that this individual had a uniform and a police car at his disposal certainly speaks to it not being a random act.”

Chief Superintendent Chris Leather also noted that most of the victims did not know the gunman. He said some victims “appeared not to have a relationship with the assailant shooter.”

One of the victims is an officer, Constable Heidi Stevenson, who served in the police force for 23 years. Another officer suffered injuries and was hospitalized.

Chief Superintendent Leather added that Wortman was killed during a shootout with police in Enfield. The gunman’s motive for the mass shooting is still under investigation.

"One of the most senseless acts of violence"

On the other hand, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said the attack was “one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province’s history.

"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,” added Premier McNeil.

In a statement, Canada’s Prime Minister Justine Trudeau said, “I was saddened to learn about the senseless violence in Nova Scotia, which claimed the lives of multiple people, including one member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Cst. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the Force. Our hearts go out to the people who have lost loved ones, and to the RCMP family mourning a fallen officer. I also hope for a full recovery for the people who were injured, including one RCMP member who is in hospital being treated for non-life-threatening injuries."

“As a country, in moments like these, we come together to support one another. Together we will mourn with the families of the victims, and help them get through this difficult time," added Prime Minister Trudeau.