Four confirmed dead in Saskatchewan school shooting
Posted Jan 22, 2016 04:32:22 PM.
Last Updated Jan 22, 2016 08:44:59 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
UPDATE: RCMP say four are confirmed dead after a shooting in La Loche, Saskatchewan. Several others are hurt and a suspect is in custody.
The number of those killed is in contrast to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s earlier suggestion that five were dead.
‘The commissioner of the RCMP advised me that there are five fatalities and two critically injured,” said Trudeau earlier today from Davos, Switzerland, where is is attending the World Economic Forum.
There’s no word on whether those who were killed or hurt are students or teachers. “The alleged shooter is in custody right now. Police have assured me that the situation is under control,” he added. Police have only described the suspect as “male,” adding a firearm was seized. The shooting happened at the La Loche Community School’s junior and senior high school building, which was put in lockdown. Mounties asked parents and residents to stay away.
The Ducharme Elementary School a few blocks away was also locked down as a precaution. Details about what happened are scarce. Grade 10 student Noel Desjarlais-Thomas says he ran from the after hearing shots and seeing a friend fall to the ground. “You know how it is. Something happens, you gotta go for your life. I was running and didn’t want to look back.” “What I’d seen today was something unordinary [sic]. I didn’t expect that to happen today. I just thought it was going to be a normal Friday. And then… that happened,” he adds. Geordie Janvier, 16, says he was walking in the halls when shots rang out. “We were going back to gym class… That’s when I heard the first shot… I ran to the gym class, closed the door, and ran into the dressing room. We stayed there three hours.” “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. When I spoke with community leaders, they obviously expressed that the community is reeling. All of us across this country, hearts are going out to the families and to the whole community,” says Trudeau. “We all grieve with and stand with the community of La Loche and all of Saskatchewan on this terrible, tragic day,”
Waterloo Region Police Chief Bryan Larkin sends his condolences on behalf of Waterloo Regional Police to those affected by the tragedy.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released the following statement after speaking in Davos, Switzerland.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says:
“Words cannot express my shock and sorrow at the horrific events today in La Loche. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, their families and friends and all the people of the community.
Thank you to the RCMP and all the emergency personnel who responded quickly to the shootings. Saskatchewan Education and Social Services will be available to provide all necessary crisis support and counselling services to the school and the community.”
