Shooting leaves 5 dead, including police officer, in US state of North Carolina, suspected gunman is in custody

At least five people were killed, including an off-duty police officer, during a shooting in the US state of North Carolina, an official said Thursday.

The shooting took place in a neighborhood in Raleigh city, which also left two others injured, according to Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin. They included a Raleigh K9 officer who suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to CNN.

"This is a sad and tragic day for the city of Raleigh," said Baldwin at a press conference.

The mayor urged the city’s residents to support those in the community “who suffered a terrible loss” and the family of the police officer who was killed.

"We must stop this mindless violence in America. We must address gun violence. We have much to do," said the mayor.

The suspected gunman is in custody.