San Jose Mass Shooting Witness Kirk Bertolet Claims Suspect Had Specific Targets

A mass shooting that took place in California claimed eight victim’s lives leaving one injured. A witness, Kirk Bertolet, revealed the shooter had targeted the victims.

Kirk Bertolet, who witnessed the San Jose mass shooting, claims the suspect had specific targets. Bertolet told ABC 7 in an exclusive interview that the gunman left others to live.

Bertolet has worked for the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for twelve years as a light rail signal maintainer. He was present on Wednesday morning when the gunfire erupted.

"It was just several bursts. It was a series of shots, then another series of shots and another series of shots," Bertolet said. He then heard the gunman leave the building and headed for the control center.

He rushed to provide first aid. Bertolet shared he saw people as he walked in and witnessed a mass of bodies and went to check if anyone was alive and see if he could help.

He added that he saw people taking their last breaths. Bertolet said he was surprised to learn who the perpetrator was, a 57-year-old Samuel Cassidy.

Cassidy worked as a substation maintainer who ensures power flowed to the light rail. "I was shocked to find out who it was myself. I've had a good relationship with him, been cordial," he shared.

Deputy Russell Davis of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office said the suspect is deceased. Davis revealed police officers did not exchange gunfire with Cassidy, and investigators believe he took his own life.

The victims and the colleagues knew the suspect well, according to the San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. The incident began after 6:30 when several 911 reported shots fired at the workplace.

The authorities have released the names of the victims. The medical examiner's office identified the victims as Adrian Balleza, 29, Taptejdeep Singh, 36, Michael Joseph Rudometkin, 40, Paul Delacruz, 42, Abdolvahab Alaghmandan, 63 and Lars Kepler Lane, 63.

At least one person was wounded and was in critical condition. One employee who works in the building described the attack as heartbreaking as he heard families screaming and crying from the elevator.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered all state and US flags to be lowered to half-staff at all public buildings and inside the State Capitol to remember the mass shooting victims.

He shared that his heart is with the victim's families and friends, including the entire community. Whitmer urged citizens to do more to prevent the horrific tragedies from reoccurring again.