Nova Scotia death toll rises to 13, police warn number could still increase

The spree took place across the province, with a veteran RCMP being one of the slain.

The shooter is now dead. The spree is not being investigated as a terror-related crime, though the motive remains unclear.

The suspect was confirmed to be a 51-year-old male, who started shooting in Portapique.

The motive for the crime is currently marked as "randomness."

"Our investigation will tell that. We don't know for sure, and we're going to have to do a lot of work on finding the motivation — a lot of background, a lot of profiling-type events and a lot of crime scene processing," a police spokesperson said on Sunday.

Police said the gunman was driving in a car which looked to be an RCMP vehicle.

Police confirmed the RCMP victim was a 23-year veteran who was responding the the active shooter incident.

"Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served. Earlier this afternoon I met with Heidi's family and there are no words to describe their pain," said Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman on Sunday.

"Two children have lost their mother. And a husband has lost his wife. Parents have lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague."

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil called the incident "one of the most senseless acts of violence" in the province's history.

"I never imagined when I went to bed last night that I would wake up to the horrific news that an active shooter was on the loose in Nova Scotia. This is one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province's history," McNeil said.

"To the families of the victims, and to those who are still feeling afraid, my heart goes out to you. Know that all Nova Scotians are with you."

"My heart goes out to everyone affected in what is a terrible situation," Trudeau said in a brief statement.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also reached out to the RCMP commissioner and the premier to give his condolences.