UPDATED: Fort Smith shelter-in-place order lifted; armed shooter still at large

RCMP lifted a shelter-in-place order for Fort Smith after 13 hours, having “reasonable grounds to believe that this was a targeted attack and that there is no direct threat to the community,” stated late-afternoon update.

“As a result of further investigation and a thorough risk assessment, police believe it is safe at this time to allow residents to resume normal activities,” stated police spokesperson Julie Plourde. “Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the community as the investigation is continuing.

“The RCMP would like to thank the residents and the local leadership for their patience and ongoing support.”

At approximately 2:12 am, Fort Smith RCMP received a report of a mass shooting outside a local business on McDougal Road. The male suspect fled the scene.

The shooting outside a bar holding an event related to a music festival sent three people to hospital. Their conditions aren’t known.

The annual Fireweed Festival began Friday night, so there are many more people in the South Slave Region community than normal.

A post on the festival’s Facebook page stated: “Tonight, during the Fireweed Festival NT Kickoff Party at Dirty O’Fergie’s, a serious incident involving a firearm occurred. Our thoughts are with everyone who was injured, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by what happened tonight.”

A later post stated the festival’s Saturday daytime events were suspended until further notice.

The suspect is described as having dark hair, dark eyes, facial hair, a medium build. He was wearing a grey sweater.

Timeline of events:

• At approximately 2:12 am, Fort Smith RCMP received a report of a mass shooting outside a local business on McDougal Road. The male suspect fled the scene.
• Fort Smith Health Centre activated its lockdown procedures and Mass Casualty (Code Orange) protocol in response to the shooting.
• A first public alert was issued at 2:56 am, asking residents of Fort Smith to shelter in place.
• This after a “firearms incident at a local business,” stated an update just after 5 am, which included he first photo of the suspect.
• The hospital’s Code Orange was lifted at 7:45 am, but the lockdown protocol will remain in effect.
• The RCMP’s shelter-in-place alert was renewed at 7:53 am and remains active.
• At 9 am, police issued an update, confirming three people injured and receiving medical attention. Police also released a more detailed description and more photos of the suspect.
• Just after noon, police released more information and cautioned the public about approaching the suspect if spotted.

RCMP also cited reports of AI generated photos purporting to be of the suspect being shared on social media.

“(They) do not match the descriptors of the suspect, and we are requesting the public to not share it any further as it is inaccurate,” stated Plourde in the release.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Fort Smith RCMP at 867-872-1111 or 911.

As well, a community portal has been opened to collect any digital evidence, such as from cell phones or doorbell cameras.

Over the coming days, stated a release, the NWT’s health agency will work with partners to coordinate mental health and counselling resources to add capacity in the community, as needed.

If you require mental health and wellness supports, please see this link for information about access in your community and virtual services.

The RCMP Critical Incident Command has been engaged, and multiple resources are assisting, including: the Major Crimes Unit; Territorial Crime Reduction; Police Dog Services; Traffic Services; Remote Piloted Aircraft Services; members of Emergency Response Teams from the NWT and Yukon; and the Yellowknife General Investigation Section.

First post on the Fireweed Festival’s Facebook page stated:

“Tonight, during the Fireweed Festival NT Kickoff Party at Dirty O’Fergie’s, a serious incident involving a firearm occurred.
“Several individuals were injured. At this time, we understand that there have been no fatalities.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who was injured, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by what happened tonight.
“Emergency services and the RCMP responded, and this matter is now under police investigation. We ask everyone to please respect the investigation and not share speculation, unconfirmed information, photographs or videos of those involved.
“The safety of our community, our guests, artists, volunteers and festival team is our highest priority.
“We are working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide further information about Fireweed Festival NT programming when we are able to do so responsibly.
“Please take care of one another tonight.”

Second post later Saturday morning stated:

“We have poured our hearts, our time, our energy and so much love into bringing Fireweed Festival NT to our community. To have our celebration interrupted by an act of violence is absolutely heartbreaking.
“Our first concern is, and will always be, the safety and well-being of our community, our guests, our artists, volunteers, vendors and everyone who has supported this festival.
“The RCMP has issued a shelter-in-place order, and as a result, today’s Park Party at Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park is postponed until the RCMP advises that the order has been lifted and it is safe to proceed.
“We know how much excitement, work and anticipation has gone into this weekend — not only from us, but from so many people. We are devastated. We are emotional. But right now, nothing matters more than keeping everyone safe.
“Please follow all RCMP directions and remain sheltered in place.
“When we have confirmed information and are able to safely make decisions about the remainder of Fireweed Festival NT, we will share an update here.
“Thank you for your patience, your compassion and your understanding during an incredibly difficult morning.
“With heavy hearts,”
Jolene, Allison & Melissa 
Fireweed Festival NT

NWT Justice Minister Jay Macdonald, who lives in Fort Smith, issued a statement Saturday morning:

“My thoughts are with everyone in Fort Smith as RCMP continue to respond to this serious and ongoing situation. I urge everyone in the area to continue sheltering in place, follow all RCMP instructions and avoid sharing information that could interfere with the police response.

“The GNWT is in close contact with the RCMP and local authorities as the situation continues to unfold. I want to thank the RCMP, first responders and health-care workers responding this morning, and everyone in the community for following emergency instructions and helping keep one another safe.”

UPDATES: This story has been updated several times, with the latest being a full write-through.