The mayor of Fort St. John is urging for increased provincial police support to address a rise in gun-related incidents near schools in northeastern B.C. This call follows what authorities believe to be the third targeted shooting at a residence in the city on Friday night. Specific details are scarce, and the suspects remain unidentified.
Mayor Lilia Hansen is advocating for the deployment of B.C.’s gang task force to address the escalating violence, emphasizing the need for a more robust law enforcement presence. Expressing her concern, Hansen stated, “One shooting, you’re like, oh, that’s awful. Two, it’s like, no, this is getting very serious. And three, this has to be stopped.”
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are actively investigating the series of shootings that commenced on July 22, with at least one individual sustaining injuries and subsequently facing charges. While official confirmation of injuries in the recent shooting is pending, local residents reported witnessing at least one person being transported to the hospital by ambulance, with suspicions of additional casualties.
Sgt. Jaime Moffat affirmed that the RCMP is prioritizing the apprehension of suspects through collaborative efforts between serious crime units and frontline officers. Addressing public concerns, Moffat assured, “Significant resources are being dedicated to identifying those responsible and preventing further violence.”
As the new school year approaches, nearby residents near the shooting sites express surprise and dismay over the sudden spike in violent incidents, all occurring in close proximity to elementary and middle schools. Resident Thomas Whitton, a father of four, emphasized the impact on the community, stating, “For a small town like Fort St. John, you don’t expect this kind of violence so close to your house, so close to where your kids are sleeping.”
Bullet holes visible at the targeted residence served as a stark reminder of the potential tragedy that was narrowly averted. Whitton emphasized the importance of providing law enforcement and judicial authorities with the necessary resources to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure community safety, particularly with students set to return to school shortly.
Local education board chair Helen Gilbert echoed these concerns, emphasizing the threat posed by the escalating violence to innocent bystanders. Looking ahead to the upcoming school term, she highlighted the district’s commitment to addressing safety concerns in light of recent events.
