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Shelter order lifted after NWT shooting, several arrested

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

A shelter-in-place order in the Northwest Territories was lifted Friday evening after shots were fired earlier in the day in the community of Behchokǫ̀.

RCMP say several people have been arrested in connection with the incident and that it is now safe for residents to resume normal activities. In an earlier update, police said they were still searching for at least one suspect.

No injuries were reported after shots were fired in the community of about 2,000 people, located northwest of Yellowknife. Police have said the shooting appears to have been targeted.

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Earlier, Mounties said they were looking for up to six people believed to be armed with long guns and travelling on two snowmobiles. Additional police resources were deployed to Behchokǫ̀, including members of the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, the Territorial Crime Reduction Unit, a Remote Piloted Aircraft System unit and additional general duty officers.

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Several residences in the community were contained as part of the investigation, and a check stop was set up on the access road into Behchokǫ̀, with motorists advised to expect delays.

As a precaution, Chief Jimmy Bruneau School and Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School were placed under lockdown. Students were kept at school past the end of the school day until police gave the all-clear.

In messages to parents and guardians, school officials said children were supervised, fed and kept entertained throughout the lockdown.

RCMP say an increased police presence will remain visible in Behchokǫ̀ as the investigation continues.

Police are asking anyone with CCTV or other video footage that may be relevant to the incident to contact Behchokǫ̀ RCMP.

Mounties say further information will be released as it becomes available.

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