The mayor of Fort St. John is urging for increased provincial police support to address a rise in gun violence near schools in northeastern B.C. This appeal follows what authorities suspect was the third targeted shooting at a residence in the city on Friday night. Specific details remain limited, and the perpetrators have not been positively identified.
Mayor Lilia Hansen is advocating for the deployment of B.C.’s gang task force to tackle the escalating violence in the area. Expressing deep concern, she emphasized the urgency of halting these incidents, stating, “One shooting is terrible, but with three, it’s evident that urgent action is required to put an end to this. We need a more robust law enforcement presence.”
Law enforcement officials are focusing their efforts on investigating the series of shootings that commenced on July 22, with at least one individual reportedly injured and subsequently facing charges. Although the extent of injuries from the recent shooting is unconfirmed by police and emergency services, local residents reported witnessing one person being transported to the hospital by ambulance and suspecting multiple casualties.
Sgt. Jaime Moffat highlighted that the detachment’s serious crime and street enforcement units, in collaboration with frontline officers, are diligently working to identify and apprehend the suspects. He reassured the public, acknowledging the distress caused by these incidents, and emphasized the allocation of significant resources to track down the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
With the commencement of the new school year approaching, concerns are mounting among neighbors residing near the location of the latest shooting. Each of the incidents occurred in close proximity to local elementary and middle schools, prompting unease within the community. Thomas Whitton, a resident and father of four, expressed shock over the sudden surge in violence near his home, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of children and residents.
Visible bullet holes marked the front door of the targeted residence the day after the incident, as search-and-rescue teams and police conducted investigations in the surrounding area. Reflecting on the potential consequences, Whitton emphasized the importance of equipping law enforcement and judicial authorities with adequate resources to apprehend and detain those responsible for the violence, stressing the collective desire to prevent such incidents, particularly as students prepare to return to school in less than a month.
Helen Gilbert, chair of the local board of education for School District 60, echoed these concerns about the escalating violence and its impact on innocent individuals. As the new school year approaches, she emphasized the need for ongoing safety measures and discussions within the district’s safety team to address these pressing issues.
