9 Killed at VTA Light Rail Yard
According to multiple reports, authorities confirmed the identity of the gunman as a 57-year-old VTA employee.
Courtesy VTA
Nine people were killed, with the gunman dying by suicide, in a shooting rampage Wednesday at a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail hub in San Jose, Calif.
The names of the victims reported by the VTA Wednesday evening were Abdolvahab Alaghmandan, Adrian Balleza, Alex Ward Fritch, Jose Dejesus Hernandez III, Lars Kepler Lane, Michael Joseph Rudometkin, Paul Delacruz Megia, Taptejdeep Singh, and Timothy Michael Romo.
“We do not have the words to express the weight of this moment,” said the VTA in a statement. “We are grateful to our community for their love and support as we mourn the loss of nine victims of the horrific event of Wednesday, May 26, 2021.”
According to multiple reports, authorities confirmed the identity of the gunman as a 57-year-old VTA employee.
Authorities were first notified about the shooting around 6:30 a.m., when the gunman opened fire at the light rail facility, which is near the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. About 75 to 80 people were at the facility at the time of the shooting
A bomb-sniffing dog detected possible explosives at the site, which complicated the investigation. As a result, authorities spent the entire day combing through the VTA facility to ensure that no explosive devices were on the premises.
Transit agencies from around the nation shared their best wishes with VTA in the wake of the shooting.
We stand with you, @VTA .
Lane Transit District sends our deepest condolences to VTA and the families of the employees who lost their lives. ❤️#TransitStandsTogetherpic.twitter.com/Z88oyBoK2L— Lane Transit District (LTD) (@LaneTransit) May 27, 2021
Our hearts go out to our Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (@VTA) friends and their families. We stand together with you.https://t.co/K0cPittmPb#TransitStandsTogether#VTAfamilypic.twitter.com/b14EQ86emc
— WSP USA (@wspusa) May 27, 2021
Our hearts go out to the employees, families and friends who lost loved ones at @VTA yesterday. We wish the entire San Jose community strength and peace during this difficult time. #TransitStandsTogetherpic.twitter.com/2nkKJHOslk
— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) May 27, 2021
A vigil is being planned for May 27 at 6 p.m. at San Jose City Hall Plaza at 200 East Santa Clara Street.
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