Fort Smith shooting suspect in custody

The male suspect in the shooting of three people outside a bar holding an event related to a music festival in Fort Smith early Saturday morning has been arrested and remains in custody, says the latest police update.

At approximately 4:30 am, on Sunday — some 14 hours after the shooting — the RCMP arrested the suspect without incident, stated RCMP spokesperson Julie Plourde, adding that charges are pending.

Police haven’t released where the arrest took place, or if it was the result of  tip from the public.

The conditions of the victims also has not been released.

Inspector James Lai, officer in charge of South District, stated: “The tireless efforts of our officers and specialized units made it possible to resolve this incident. We are committed to ensuring the safety of Fort Smith, and I would like to thank the residents and local leadership for their continued cooperation and patience.”

In addition, the RCMP is asking that anyone present during the altercation that preceded the shooting to attend the Fort Smith RCMP detachment between 1 pm and 9 pm on Monday, to speak with an investigator to provide a statement.

Anyone with mobility or transportation issues can call the detachment at 867-872-1111 and arrangements will be made for an officer to take your statement.

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 had fled the scene.

The annual Fireweed Festival began Friday night, so there are were 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. Events resumed in the evening.

Fort Smith Health Centre activated its lockdown procedures for several hours 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, that order lifted 13 hours later. Police noted not everyone was following the order.

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.

Stated festival organizers late Saturday: 

“Following consultation with the RCMP, and with the consideration, support and encouragement of those directly affected by last night’s incident, Fireweed Festival NT will continue as planned.

“We have taken time to listen, reflect and consider what is best for everyone involved. Based on the information provided to us by the RCMP, we have been advised that there is no ongoing risk to the community associated with the festival, and we will continue to follow the guidance of the RCMP and those responsible for community safety.

Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the individuals and families affected by what happened. Their well-being matters deeply to us. Continuing with the festival does not diminish the seriousness of the incident, the impact it has had, or the emotions many in our community are carrying today.

“We also recognize that people may choose to process what happened in different ways, and we completely respect anyone who does not feel ready to attend.

“For those who do join us, Fireweed Festival NT will continue to be a place of community, connection, culture, music and togetherness.

“Like the fireweed flower — a symbol of resilience, renewal and strength after devastation — we will lift one another up, stand together and bloom again.

“With the support of those affected, and with the guidance of the RCMP, we will move forward together. Please continue to look after one another.”