LIVE: 8 people killed in San Jose VTA rail yard shooting; suspect among the dead

By Amy Hollyfield and Alix Martichoux
ABC7

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Eight people have been killed in a shooting at a VTA rail yard in San Jose Wednesday morning, sources tell ABC News.

The shooter, a man, is among the dead, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Russell Davis said.

The suspect reportedly set fire to his home before the shooting. When firefighters arrived on scene, no one was inside the home.

“It would appear as if the fire was set as the shooter was on his way to the work site,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.

The identities of the suspect and the victims have not yet been released.

The shooting was in the area of 100 W. Younger Avenue at a VTA control center and rail yard, where light rail cars are stored. The building is not open to the public, so the shooter would have needed employee access or to have broken in, said VTA spokesperson Brandi Childress.

“We ask for people’s prayers,” Childress said.

The first calls came in at 6:34 a.m. A witness told ABC7 News they heard gunshots. When law enforcement arrived on scene, multiple people had been shot, the sheriff’s office said.

Santa Clara County sheriff’s deputies are planning to give another update at 10:45 a.m We’ll be streaming the press conference live.

Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area as they investigate.

The VTA office and rail yard were evacuated by law enforcement. Family members looking for loved ones are asked to go to 70 W. Hedding St.

Starting at noon, VTA is suspending all light rail service. The agency is adding bus bridges to ensure continued service.

“The light rail yard remains an active investigation scene, limiting our ability to provide service,” the agency tweeted.

“Our thoughts and love goes out to the VTA family, the organization and what they’ve had to go through,” said Glenn Hendricks, chairman of the VTA board.

“This is every mayor’s worst nightmare,” said Mayor Liccardo.

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https://abc7news.com/san-jose-shooting-vta-sjpd-santa-clara-county-sheriffs-deputies/10697622/