Gunman Kills 6, Then Himself at Colorado Birthday Party

A Colorado man opened fire early Sunday morning at a birthday party, killing six adults before taking his own life, the Associated Press reports. 

Authorities said the incident occurred shortly after midnight when the unidentified gunman, who is believed to be the boyfriend of a female victim, walked into a party attended by family, friends, and children in a mobile home park in Colorado Springs and started firing at guests. Six dead bodies were found when police arrived, as well as a man with serious injuries. That individual was later pronounced dead at the hospital. No children were injured. 

A nearby resident told the Colorado Springs Gazette that she was awoken by the sound of gunshots and people crying. She said she also saw two kids in the back of a patrol car. 

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers called the shooting a “senseless act of violence,” and said an investigation is ongoing. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ statement centered around the fact that this happened on Mother’s Day, saying, “Many of us are spending the day celebrating the women in our lives who have made us the people we are today.” 

Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski said the officers and investigators who responded to the shooting were “left incredibly shaken.” Niski promised that the department will do everything it can to provide those who lost a loved one with answers in due time. The names of the victims and the shooter are being withheld until they have been identified by the coroner.