Sheriff: VTA mass shooting suspect had semi-automatic weapons, multiple magazines

A K-9 unit works the scene of a mass shooting at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light-rail yard on May 26, 2021 in San Jose, California.
A K-9 unit works the scene of a mass shooting at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light-rail yard on May 26, 2021 in San Jose, California. Photo credit Philip Pacheco/Getty Images

The bodies of Wednesday’s VTA rail yard shooting victims have been removed by the Santa Clara Medical Examiner-Coroner, but the crime scene remains very active early Thursday.

We’re learning that the gunman was well armed: two semi-automatic weapons and 11 magazines, Santa Clara County Sheriff Lori Smith told KCBS Radio. It's not yet clear how many rounds the suspect spent during the incident.

Smith said there’s no early indication that the guns were illegal.

"(The) San Jose Police Department is doing the scene at the house but I believe there were explosives found there," she told KCBS Radio. "(At the VTA facility) our dogs alerted on what turned out to be his locker. In it was the precursor items…for explosives like detonator cord and stuff like that. But no actual device."

Bomb-making materials were found at both crime scenes, including that detonator cord in the man’s VTA locker. We’re told the crime scene at the light rail yard belongs to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

A quiet scene outside the VTA rail yard on Thursday morning.
A quiet scene outside the VTA rail yard on Thursday morning. Photo credit Tim Ryan/KCBS Radio

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, talked about killing people at work more than a decade ago, his ex-wife told The Associated Press. "I never believed him, and it never happened. Until now," a tearful Cecilia Nelms said.

VTA is operating buses on Thursday, but not light rail vehicles. San Mateo County bus drivers and buses have been sent here to help with operations.

Among the nine victims was the nephew of a deputy sergeant in Santa Clara County. "I commend our staff, but my heart sure goes out to the victims and the victims’ families," she added.

Law enforcement officials are expected to hold a press conference later Thursday.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Philip Pacheco/Getty Images