The outside of La Loche Community School on Jan. 22, 2016. At least five people were killed in a shooting there Friday.
By Red Power Media, Staff
UPDATE: RCMP say 4 dead in La Loche shootings
According to media reports, at least four people have been killed in La Loche Saskatchewan — including two brothers of the alleged shooter along with a 23-year-old teacher — and two critically injured.
The shooting at the La Loche Community School’s junior and senior high school, happened at around 1 p.m. The gunman, believed to be a student in his late teens, shot two of his brothers at his home and made his way to the school. Officers seized a gun and took a male into custody at 1:47 p.m.
“Right now, La Loche is devastated,” said an emotional First Nation chief.
The community usually pulls together really strong in times like this,” said Clearwater River Dene Nation Chief Teddy Clark on Friday.
The Globe and Mail reports, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a hastily called news conference in Davos, Switzerland where he is attending a conference.
“The country’s heart is breaking for the people of La Loche, Saskatchewan, today,” he said.
“Obviously this is every parent’s worst nightmare. All of us across this country, our hearts are going out to the families and to the whole community.”
The prime minister added that he had been told the alleged shooter was in custody and the police “have assured me the situation is under control.”
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde issued the following statement on the shooting:
“We are shocked and saddened by this incident and the reports of injuries and deaths in La Loche, Saskatchewan,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “I have been in contact with both Clearwater River Dene Nation Chief Teddy Clark and AFN Saskatchewan Regional Chief Bobby Cameron and have also spoken to RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson. More details will be forthcoming but our priority right now is allowing the local leadership and authorities to do their work in the interests of the safety and security of all those in the area. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this situation and we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims in this tragic incident.”
Lac La Loche is a remote Dene town of about 3,000 people, approximately six hours north of Saskatoon.
Note: Initial reports said that five people were killed, but the RCMP now say four people were killed.
RED POWER MEDIA 