In a shocking incident of violence that has rocked the Canadian capital, Ottawa, six people, including four children, were tragically killed in a townhouse late Wednesday night. Described by police as a "senseless act of violence," the crime has left the community reeling in disbelief.

Authorities were alerted to the gruesome scene after receiving numerous 911 calls just before midnight. Upon entering the townhome located in the suburb of Barrhaven, officers discovered the bodies of six victims, along with a seventh individual who was rushed to the hospital.

According to reports, most of the victims were identified as a Sri Lankan family. Tragically, a mother and her four young children, all under the age of 7, lost their lives in the horrific incident. The children's father survived the ordeal and was hospitalized, while another man, who lived with the family, also fell victim to the violence.

The alleged perpetrator, 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa, originally from Sri Lanka and studying in Canada, was identified as an acquaintance who lived with the family. However, police have not yet disclosed a motive for the crime.

Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs dismissed the suggestion that the slayings were a case of "intimate partner violence." Although initially described as a mass shooting, Stubbs clarified that an "edged weapon" was used in the killings.

"This tragedy has left many questions unanswered," stated Chief Stubbs, emphasizing the thorough investigation being conducted by the homicide unit. De-Zoysa was apprehended at the scene, and authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to their safety.

The Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, expressed his condolences and referred to the incident as "one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city's history." The community has been urged to seek support and counseling to cope with the traumatic event.

As the investigation unfolds, Ottawa mourns the loss of innocent lives, marking this incident as the deadliest mass killing in the city in at least three decades. The tragedy has left a profound impact on the immediate neighborhood and the city as a whole, as authorities continue their efforts to understand the motive behind this devastating act.