In what authorities are describing as one of the most shocking incidents of violence in Ottawa's history, six members of a Sri Lankan family, including four young children, were found dead in a mass killing in the community of Barrhaven. The victims, identified as Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, 35, and her children Inuka, seven, Ashwini, four, Rinyana, two, and two-month-old Kelly, were discovered in their home late Wednesday night.

Police Chief Eric Stubbs called the scene "horrific," emphasizing that this was a senseless act of violence against innocent individuals. The father, whose name was not released, was found injured and shouting for help when officers arrived. He is currently hospitalized with serious injuries.

A 40-year-old man, Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon, was also found dead in the house. Authorities believe that he had recently come to Canada and was living there. The suspect, identified as Febrio De-Zoysa, is also Sri Lankan and had been studying in Canada. The relationship between De-Zoysa and the victims is still under investigation.

Initially labeled as a "mass shooting," police later revealed that an "edged weapon" was used in the killings. The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time. Local officials have reached out to the family's relatives in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to offer support and assistance.

The news of the mass killings has sent shockwaves through the Ottawa community. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed his devastation over the tragedy, and Barrhaven East councillor Wilson Lo expressed his sadness at the loss of six neighbors.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his condolences on social media, calling the news heartbreaking and extending his thoughts to the victims' family and friends, as well as the entire Ottawa community.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to uncover more details surrounding this tragic event. The city of Ottawa mourns the loss of these six lives and seeks to support the grieving family and community affected by this terrible tragedy.