Gunman shoots six dead at birthday party before turning gun on himself

A Colorado birthday party was violently interrupted early Sunday morning when a man walked into the home where the party was taking place and opened fire, killing six people before taking his own life.

Adults and children alike were at the party, Colorado Springs police said, but no children were hurt. The children “are now with relatives,” police said.

The names of the victims and suspect have not been released, pending identification and determination of cause and manner of death.

The suspect, whose girlfriend was one of the victims, drove to the home where the party was being held, walked in, started shooting. and then killed himself, Colorado Springs police said.

Ppolice said they received reports of a shooting at about 12:18 a.m. at the Canterbury Mobile Home Park on the city’s east side. When they arrived, they found six dead adults and one man with serious injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital, police said, where he died. One of the dead was determined to be the gunman.

Police have not yet discussed a motive for the shooting. Police Chief Vince Niski released a statement Sunday saying that the investigation has left his department “incredibly shaken.”

“This is something you hope never happens in your own community, in the place that you call home,” he said. “When these types of unspeakable acts happen, there is nothing that can be done to fully rebuild what was lost or replace those who are no longer with us. My vow to this community and to the families who have lost someone today, is that this department will do everything we can to find you the answers you deserve and be here for you with an unwavering support.”

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers also released a statement, asking for “the public’s patience with the investigation and we seek the sensitivity of our media partners as CSPD completes a thorough investigation to provide answers to the families and friends impacted by this tragedy.”

Colorado Governor Jared Polis also addressed the Mother’s Day incident, calling the shooting a “terrible act of violence” that took place as “many of us are spending the day celebrating the women in our lives who have made us the people we are today,” the Colorado Springs Gazette reported.

“Families torn apart, and at a birthday party, no less,” he said.

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