Seven killed in apparent murder-suicide at Colorado birthday party
Seven people were shot dead at a birthday party in Colorado early Sunday — including the suspected gunman — in an apparent murder-suicide, police said.
Gunfire broke out shortly after midnight when the boyfriend of one of the women at the party burst in and started shooting before taking his own life, Colorado Springs police said in a statement Sunday.
Investigators said officers responding to the get-together at the Canterbury Mobile Park Home found six dead adults and a seventh victim who was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police said there were children at the party but none were injured in the bloody attack.
The victims and the suspected gunman have not been identified pending family notification, police said.
“Words fall short to describe the tragedy that took place this morning,” Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski said in a statement.
“As the chief of police, as a husband, as a father, as a grandfather, as a member of this community, my heart breaks for the families who have lost someone they love and for the children who have lost their parents,” the chief said.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers urged patience as authorities continue to investigate the incident.
“We ask the public’s patience with the investigation and we seek the sensitivity of our media partners as CSPD completes a thorough investigation to provide the answers to the families and friends impacted by this tragedy,” he said in a statement.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis called the shootings “devastating,” particularly with the mass killings coming on Mother’s Day.
“The tragic shooting in Colorado Springs is devastating, especially as many of us are spending the day celebrating the women in our lives who have made us the people we are today,” Polis wrote.
“Families torn apart, and at a birthday party no less,” he said. “My deepest condolences and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone else impacted by this tragedy.”
