The mayor of Fort St. John is urging for an increase in provincial police resources to address a recent rise in gun violence near schools in northeastern British Columbia. This appeal follows what the RCMP suspects to be the third targeted shooting at a residence in the city on Friday night.
With limited information disclosed and no suspects identified yet, Mayor Lilia Hansen is advocating for the deployment of B.C.’s gang task force to curb the escalating violence. Expressing concern over the situation, Hansen emphasized the urgency to halt the series of shootings.
The RCMP is actively investigating the shootings that commenced on July 22, with one man reportedly injured and subsequently charged. While specifics on injuries from the recent incident remain unconfirmed, local residents observed at least one individual being transported to the hospital by ambulance, indicating potential additional casualties.
Sergeant Jaime Moffat assured the public of the detachment’s commitment to apprehending suspects, with a focus on preventing further violent incidents. Moffat acknowledged the community’s apprehension caused by these events and highlighted the substantial resources dedicated to identifying and deterring those responsible.
Neighbours residing near the site of the latest shooting expressed surprise and unease at the sudden surge in violence, particularly due to the proximity of each incident to elementary and middle schools. One resident, Thomas Whitton, a father of four, underscored the shock of such violence near residential areas and where children reside.
The visible aftermath of the shooting, including bullet holes in the targeted home’s door and search efforts by police dogs and rescue volunteers in a nearby park, heightened concerns among residents. Whitton stressed the importance of providing law enforcement and judicial systems with the necessary resources to locate and detain the perpetrators, especially with the impending school reopening.
Helen Gilbert, chair of the local board of education for School District 60, echoed these sentiments, expressing worries about the escalating violence in the city and the potential harm to innocent individuals due to drive-by shootings. As the new school year approaches, Gilbert emphasized that the district safety team would closely monitor and address these security concerns.
