A shooting that triggered a lockdown in a northern Quebec First Nation has left two men dead, provincial police say.
Sûreté du Québec Sgt. Hugues Beaulieu told The Canadian Press Thursday the deaths appear to be linked to organized crime.
The men, both in their 30s, were residents of Cree Nation of Mistissini and were shot inside a vehicle about 9 p.m. Wednesday.
There is no longer an active shooter, Beaulieu said. A lockdown that was triggered Wednesday night has since been lifted.
“I want to thank our community members for their patience, cooperation, and resilience during this difficult time,” Cree Nation of Mistissini Chief Michael Petawabano said in a statement Thursday.
“The lockdown has been lifted, and we can begin to return to our daily routines. However, our hearts remain with the families, and we continue to stand together as a community in support of those affected by this tragedy.”
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When Cree Nation of Mistissini issued the lockdown late Wednesday night, it warned of “an active gun shooter who remains at large.” Just after midnight, it provided an update stating there was an “ongoing police intervention” in the community.
Mistissini is a community located along the shore of Lake Mistassini, roughly 600 kilometers northwest of Quebec City.
Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said in a post on X Thursday that there was no indication the shooting was a domestic incident.
“I spoke with Chief Michael Petawabano to offer him all our support. We are wholeheartedly with the community,” Lafrenière wrote.
The Eeyou Eenou Police Force and Sûreté du Québec are investigating.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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