Military personnel, equipment to aid RCMP investigation into mass killing

The Canadian Armed Forces have come to the aid of the RCMP by providingthem with personnel and supplies to help in the police investigation into the killingof 22 people in rural Nova Scotia.

"We always stand ready to support our federal partners in times of need," the Department of National Defence said in an email.

There are about 30 personnel assisting the RCMP, but that number could change as the situation unfolds. Most of the military crews are reservists from the 36 Canadian Brigade Group, which is made up ofmembers from across Nova Scotia.

"The Canadian Armed Forces has provided personnel to assist the RCMP with setup of limited support equipment in the form of modular tents, lights, tables, chairs and generators,"DNDsaid.

That equipment started to arrive Tuesday afternoon in the community of Portapique, where a gunman started shooting Saturday night. Largetrucks and a couple of smaller blue vans were brought in. A short time later, a field work station was set up allowing police to continue their forensic work.

The area police are investigating is massive and includes 16 crime scenes spread over the communities of Portapique, Wentworth, Debert, Shubenacadie and Enfield.

Thegunman's rampage lasted forabout12 hours, coveringalmost 100 kilometres andleaving bodies and burned-out homes in its wake.

"Our soldiers are deployed in this logistical support role to a number of locations in Nova Scotia, at the request of theRCMP," said DND.

It's not clear how long the RCMP will require the military's help.

If you are seeking mental health support during this time,here are resources available to Nova Scotians.

WATCH |Surveillance video shows gunman pullinto parking lot, change clothes

Video shows gunman wearing uniform, changing clothes

4 years ago

Duration 0:59

Surveillance video obtained by CBC News shows the suspect in the Nova Scotia shootings briefly pulling into a parking lot and changing clothes.

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