Multiple Dead at San Jose Rail Yard Shooting

Multiple Dead at San Jose Rail Yard Shooting

More than a half dozen people have been shot and killed as a public transit employee open fire on coworkers at a Northern California rail yard this morning. The rail yard is located in downtown San Jose, about 50 miles south of downtown San Francisco.

At least eight people were killed before the shooter (Samuel Cassidy, 57), a railway technician, took his own life. He was an employee of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). The shooter began his path of destruction before 6:30 a.m. local time as fire crews were dispatched to his home, which he had set on fire. He arrived on site and began shooting during a union meeting.

The active shooter call brought numerous law enforcement representatives to the scene, even while the shooter was still active inside a building. Once the shooter took his own life, a bomb squad was activated to clear the area of potential explosives.

"This is a horrific day for our city and it is a tragic day for the VTA family, and our heart pains for the families and the co-workers because we know so many are feeling deeply this loss of their loved ones and their friends," San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo told reporters at the scene.

The area of the shooting is a light rail yard, which also provides bus, rail and some shuttle services. This area also is described as a control center, but is not part of the operations control center.

The circumstances of the shooting remain unclear at this time.

This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information becomes available.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.