'Devastating': Six killed in birthday party bloodbath
A man has fatally shot six other people including his girlfriend before taking his own life at a birthday party in the US.
The shooter spared the children who were present inside the trailer at a mobile home park at Colorado Springs, in the US state of Colorado, early on Sunday, officials said.
"The suspect, a boyfriend of one of the female victims, drove to the residence, walked inside and began shooting people at the party before taking his own life," a statement released by the Colorado Springs Police Department said.
A motive has yet to be determined.
"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," Police Chief Vince Niski said in the statement.
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"My vow to this community and to the families who have lost someone today, is that this department will do everything we can to find you the answers you deserve and be here for you with an unwavering support," Niski said.
Police said they withheld releasing details of the shooting for several hours "in order to properly and respectfully notify family members of the deceased and ensure support was in place".
The names of the victims will be released later, the statement said.
Shooting a 'terrible tragedy'
Governor Jared Police wrote on Twitter his thoughts and prayers were with the families of the victims.
"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." he said in a statement.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of today’s tragic act of violence in Colorado Springs. pic.twitter.com/fp1wtNRloO
— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) May 9, 2021
"Multiple lives were taken today by this terrible act of violence. Families torn apart, and at a birthday party no less.
"My deepest condolences and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone else impacted by this tragedy."
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