San Jose, California – There have been multiple fatalities in a tragic shooting that occurred at a San Jose rail yard on Wednesday morning, and more have been critically injured.

Law enforcement responded to multiple 911 calls at 6:43 AM detailing shots being fired at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail yard, said Santa Clara Sheriff's Office deputy Russell Davis.

The Department of Homeland Security has now confirmed at least nine people have died – seven victims at the scene, one at a local hospital, and the shooter.

Officials have identified the gunman as Samuel Cassidy, a VTA employee, according to NBC.

At the time, there is said to have been a union meeting taking place at the VTA building, which may be related to the tragedy and the increased number of people gathered.

Multiple more victims were injured and have been hospitalized in critical condition, although the exact numbers have not been confirmed.

San Jose Fire spokesperson Erica Ray said there were more than one active crime scenes connected with the incident.

"There was a fire at the shooter’s home, there was nobody found inside the home," said San Jose mayor Sam Liccardo, while noting that the house is currently being investigated. It is believed the fire occurred in the morning before the rail yard shooting.

Police are said to have found several rounds of ammunition in the house and bomb squads were actively searching both locations for explosives.

"We are still trying to collaborate everything and what happen with this incident. I will tell you right now, the suspect involved with this incident is deceased," Davis said.

The shooter's motive is unknown, and it is unconfirmed whether he was still alive when first responders arrived.

Davis assured there is no public threat to the community and relayed that a family reunification center for employees and commuters at the station had been set up nearby.

"Our hearts are pained for the families of those we have lost in this horrific shooting," Mayor Liccardo tweeted.

Spokespersons on the scene are mourning the horrific incident and the essential workers who risked their lives to keep trains running during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Our sincerest condolences and prayers to the victims' families and our communities during this tragic incident," said San Jose Chief of Police Anthony Mata.

"Thank you to all the brave and courageous first responders," he added.

The VTA confirmed it was shutting down all light rail service until further notice as the rail yard remained an active investigation scene. They were working to provide limited bus service as a replacement.

Details are still being released, with officials saying the emerging information is "fluid and ongoing."

Deputy Davis has announced that investigators now believe the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He said that police on the scene did not exchange gunfire with the suspect.

The San Jose fire department has confirmed that they did respond to a fire at the shooter’s home at 6:36 AM, just minutes before the rail yard shooting took place only eight miles away. It took firefighters an hour to distinguish flames at the home, which sustained heavy damage.

Vice President Kamala Harris responded to the event, calling the shooting "absolutely tragic." President Joe Biden had also been briefed on the incident.