Eight people were shot dead and several others injured by a gunman who opened fire in a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, Thursday night, according to officials.
Police spokeswoman Genae Cook said law enforcement “arrived to an active shooter incident” after receiving reports of gunfire. The unidentified gunman began shooting around 11 p.m. at the FedEx operations center near the Indianapolis International Airport.
“Preliminary information is that the alleged shooter has taken his own life here at the scene,” Cook said, noting that there was no longer an active threat to the community.
IndyStar reporter Sarah Nelson tweeted images of the scene, as well as footage of Officer Cook’s comments.
Four victims were taken to nearby hospitals, including one in critical condition. Two others were given medical attention at the facility and released. According to Cook, “multiple” individuals walked to local hospitals themselves.
The victims who died in the shooting have not yet been identified.
“It is very heartbreaking and, you know, in the Indianapolis Metro Police Department, the officers responded, they came in, they went in and they did their job,” Cook said. “And a lot of them are trying to face this because this is a sight that no one should ever have to see.”
Deputy chief of criminal investigations for the Indianapolis police Craig McCartt told CNN that the attack “probably lasted one to two minutes.”
“It was very short,” McCartt said, adding that the gunman started shooting in the parking lot and continued the attack in the building.
Representative André Carson, a Democrat who represents the district in which the shooting took place, tweeted that the situation left him “heartbroken.”
“I am heartbroken by the mass shooting at the FedEx facility here in Indianapolis and praying for all affected by this tragedy,” he tweeted. “I am communicating with local authorities to get all details of the attack and my office stands ready to help everyone affected any way we can.”
FedEx released a statement on the shooting, noting that they are cooperating with law enforcement. It is unknown whether the shooter was a FedEx employee.
“We are aware of the tragic shooting at our FedEx Ground facility near the Indianapolis airport,” the company stated. “Safety is our top priority, and our thought are with all those who are affected. We are working to gather more information and are cooperating with investigating authorities.”
