Three dead with gunshot wounds are discovered in a tent at a campground in Iowa early this morning. Later, investigators find the body of the suspected shooter. Why he killed the campers is still unclear.

Three people were shot dead at a campground in the US state of Iowa. Police officers discovered three bodies in the nature park near the small town of Maquoketa early Friday morning (local time), the state public safety agency said. They later also found the body of the suspected shooter after the area had been searched for his mobile home.

The 23-year-old from the US state of Nebraska was found dead west of the park – he probably took his own life, it said. According to local media reports, the victims are said to be related to each other. They are said to have been in a tent. The perpetrator apparently camped with the three beforehand, but the relationship between him and his later victims is still unclear. There is also no information about possible motives.

The US has long struggled with massive levels of gun violence. According to the CDC, nearly 20,000 people were shot nationwide in 2020 — more than 50 a day. A 21-year-old man opened fire at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois, in early July. Seven people were killed and scores more injured. Firearms are often readily available in the United States.