Several bodies were found inside and outside a house in the small, rural town of Portapique, police said, and several houses were set on fire. More bodies were later found at other locations. One police officer was among the dead.

Officials said the gunman, identified as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, was killed after shooting people in several locations across the province. By Sunday night, the death toll had risen to 16, plus the gunman, who died during a shootout with police. Authorities believe he may have targeted the first victims before going on to commit random attacks.