| Date | Name | City | Province | Licensed | Victims | Deaths | Injuries | Suicide | Firearms | OIC Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Wortman | Nova Scotia | NS | No | 22 | 23 | 3 | No | Yes | No |
Several Firearms
RCMP Reports, CI?, Abuse
Classification: reported
Reasoning: There is at least one credible source (Wikipedia) that provides factual information about the incident, and another credible source (CBC) that provides additional context and details.
Incident Summary
On April 18 and 19, 2020, Gabriel Wortman committed a mass shooting and set fires at multiple locations in Nova Scotia, Canada, resulting in 22 deaths and 3 injuries. Wortman was shot and killed by the RCMP.
Well-Supported Details
Unverified or Conflicting Claims
Source Quality Notes
Here is a summary of the source in 3-5 factual sentences:
On April 18 and 19, 2020, Gabriel Wortman committed multiple shootings and set fires at 16 locations in Nova Scotia, Canada, killing 22 people and injuring three others before he was shot and killed by the RCMP. The attacks are the deadliest shooting rampage in Canadian history. Wortman, who was impersonating a police officer, used a replica police vehicle and various firearms, including a .223 Colt LE6940 semi-automatic rifle and a .40 S&W Glock 23 Gen 3 semi-automatic pistol. The RCMP was criticized for not using Alert Ready to warn the public about the unfolding attacks and for not responding to reports of Wortman's previous behavior and acts of violence. An investigation into law enforcement's response to the rampage was launched, and a public inquiry into the law enforcement response was declared on July 28, 2020.
Lisa Banfield, the former spouse of Gabriel Wortman, Canada's worst mass shooter, revealed that she experienced a tumultuous relationship with him. Banfield stated that Wortman's paranoia was fueled by his use of drugs and his own mental health issues.
Lisa Banfield, the former common-law partner of Canada's worst mass shooter, Gabriel Wortman, has written a book detailing her 19-year relationship with him and the abuse she endured. Banfield's experiences are documented in "The First Survivor: Life with Canada's Deadliest Mass Shooter," which was released on January 21, 2026. The book speaks to a wider truth, Banfield says, that the violence that begins behind closed doors can spill into society. Banfield's story has drawn criticism from some of the victims' family members, who say it's making them relive their trauma. However, Banfield's story has also inspired other women to seek help, according to trauma therapist Kristina Fifield.