Nine people in Ohio have been killed in the second mass shooting in the U.S. in less than 24 hours, and the suspected shooter is also deceased, police said.
Dayton police tweeted that an active shooter situation began in the Oregon District at 1 a.m., but that officers nearby were able to “put an end to it quickly.” At least 26 others were taken to local hospitals with injuries, police said.
The suspected shooter has been identified as 24 year-old Connor Betts. He was shot dead by officers within a minute of the start of the rampage.
Police say one of the victims is believed to be his younger sister.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley says the gunman was wearing body armor and had extra magazines.
She says Dayton police officers patrolling the area fired on the shooter within a minute, killing him. She said “hundreds of people in the Oregon District could be dead today” if police hadn’t acted quickly.
The mayor said at a press conference Sunday morning that 26 people have been injured and are at local hospitals.
Whaley commended the “grit and resiliency of this community,” saying Dayton has been through a lot this year.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statement following the a mass shooting.
He says he’s ordered flags in Ohio to remain at half-mast in honor of those killed early Sunday morning in a popular nightlife district.
The statement says he’s offered Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley “any assistance on behalf of the state.” He commended first responders for their “bravery and quick response to save lives and bring an end to this tragedy.”
With files from Newstalk1010