Suspect in NS mass shooting was not allowed to own firearms after 2002 assault charge

The gunman responsible for the Nova Scotia shooting which left at least 22 people dead was banned from owning firearms following an assault conviction related to an incident that took place over 18 years ago. While the ban was lifted for the suspect, it is still unknown whether or not he had obtained a gun licence.

The Toronto Star reported that the suspect was required “not to own, possess or carry a weapon, ammunition, or explosive substance.”

During a press conference, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki declined to inform the media on the subject.

“It is inappropriate and the commissioner would quite naturally be very reluctant to reveal details of that investigation until it is complete,” said Public Safety Minister Bill Blair in response to the question.

The suspect was a 51-year-old denturist from Dartmouth. When the incident took place last weekend, he was impersonating a police office and driving a car that looked like a police cruiser.

The suspect was convicted for an assault which took place on October 29, 2001 but was conditionally discharged, according to court records. For nine months, he had to report to a prohibition officer.

The weapons ban was then lifted after the nine months, but he had to report “for assessment and counselling in anger management” at his probation officer’s direction.

RCMP officials have been receiving criticism over their failure to utilize the provincial emergency alert system. This would have alerted the public of Wortman’s ongoing actions.