Employee opens fire at a California rail yard, kills eight

An employee opened fire Wednesday at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people before ending his own life, authorities said.

The shooting took place around 6:30 a.m. in two buildings that are part of a light rail facility for the Valley Transportation Authority, which provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the most populated county in the Bay Area. The facility includes a transit-control center, parking for trains and a maintenance yard.

The attacker was identified as 57-year-old Sam Cassidy, according to two law enforcement officials. Investigators offered no immediate word on a possible motive.

Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said the attack also resulted in "multiple major injuries." He did not know the type of weapon used. Authorities did not identify any of the victims, who included VTA employees.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said it was his understanding the shooting happened during a meeting.

Grief-stricken families sat huddled together, holding hands and crying, after learning they had lost a loved one, Rosen told reporters, describing the scene inside a county building.