Local police react to RCMP warning of violence targeting officers
Posted Jun 23, 2026 03:00:39 PM.
Last Updated Jun 23, 2026 03:00:44 PM.
June has been a deadly month for law enforcement in the country.
On June 9, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Const. Tarun Bali was struck and killed by a vehicle in the northern community of Hearst. Then on June 11, Toronto police Const. Marc Pinizzotto was shot and killed while taking part in a search warrant in the city.
And then on Monday, Montreal officer, Mohamed Lamine Benredouane was shot and killed while responding to reports of a shooter at a hotel.
Now, B.C. RCMP are warning forces across the country of the possibility of a document or manifesto calling for increased violence targeting police.
Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Chief Mark Crowell told 570 NewsRadio that leadership has been in communication with officers.
“I can say locally, because of the context of recent weeks, we have been actively promoting increased situational awareness for our officers, to remain vigilant, to use caution in their interactions, to trust their training and prioritizing safety in all interactions. And that work is ongoing.”
Following the shooting death of Const. Pinizzotto, the Toronto Police Service and Peel Regional Police added extra officers to high-priority calls.
When Chief Crowell was asked if WRPS would be taking similar measures, he kept his cards close to his chest.
“We never fully reveal our operational plans in terms of how we deploy, the number of officers and what these plans are. But I would say that we are taking these threats to officer safety very seriously and we’re continuing to assess, by the hour, if there are any active threats to officers or the community.”
The funeral for Const. Pinizzotto will be held on Wednesday at the Greater Toronto Congress Centre. Crowell said officers who are not on active duty have been encouraged to attend. He said WRPS officers don’t need much convincing to show up for their comrades.
“It is a time for us to come together across the policing profession and stand together against the forces of violence and chaos and division everywhere. It’s important for us to stand strong, to show up for our communities, to come to work and strive to keep everyone safe.”
Crime
