BREAKING: Trudeau says not to give Nova Scotia shooter infamy

Justin Trudeau addressed media on Monday as the heartbreaking story in Nova Scotia continues to unfold, after a gunman killed 18 across the province in what is the deadliest shooting spree in Canadian history.

"This happened in small towns... places where people have deep roots," said Trudeau. "Now these communities are in mourning, and Canada is in mourning with them."

"You can count on our government's full support during this incredibly painful time," he continued.

Among the dead are an 23-year RCMP veteran, with another Mountie suffering injuries.

"The pandemic will prevent us from mourning together in person, but a vigil will be held virtually to celebrate the lives of the victims, on 7 pm on Friday through the Facebook group Colchester Supporting our Community."

Trudeau said he has extended his sincere condolences to the province, and will be working with the province to conduct a full and thorough investigation.

Trudeau then asked that media not publish the name or photo of the man who conducted the heinous crime. The Post Millennial will no longer be doing so, in accordance with the prime minister's request.

When asked if tighter gun control measures could have prevented the shooting, Trudeau said that his government was on the verge of introducing legislation that would ban assault-style weapons in Canada, though it was interrupted after the

Trudeau said they had every intention of moving forward with the measure when parliament returns.

When asked if Trudeau would allow relaxed social distancing measures for those in Nova Scotia to properly grieve the loss of their loved ones, Trudeau said it was a "reflection that communities would have to have."

"To imagine that they're not going to be able to see them off together as a community... This is something that we're dealing with right now, that is heart break on top of other heart breaks... Everyone will be looking for ways to demonstrate their solidarity, " Trudeau continued.