Saskatchewan RCMP have confirmed at least 10 people have died in different locations as a result of the stabbings that occurred Sunday morning on James Smith Cree Nation and in the village of Weldon, northeast of Saskatoon.
At least 15 people have been taken to hospital, and several other victims may have been injured, according to RCMP.
As of Sunday afternoon, police were investigating 13 separate crime scenes in relation to the attacks.
Sask. RCMP are trying to locate the two male suspects, Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson.
Damien Sanderson is 5’7” and 155 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Myles Sanderson is 6’1” and 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
At this stage in the investigation, RCMP are saying some of the victims were targeted while others were random.
The last report of the suspects being seen was just before noon. Sask. RCMP received a report the suspects may be traveling in the Arcola Ave area in Regina in a black, Nissan Rogue with SK License plate 119 MPI.
- Man in critical condition after setting himself on fire near NYC courthouse
- ‘They knew’: Victims of sexual abuse by Ontario youth leader sue Anglican Church
- Arrest made after police issue emergency alert about ‘dangerous man’ in Bible Hill, N.S.
- Trump trial set to hear opening statements Monday as another delay denied
“As the suspects are at large, we have also asked for the alert to be extended to Manitoba and Alberta,” RCMP said in a news release Sunday afternoon.
“Let me be clear, we are still looking for the two suspects. We are asking residents across Saskatchewan and our neighbouring provinces to be vigilant,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said during a news conference in Regina Sunday afternoon.
The leaders of James Smith Cree Nation have officially declared a state of emergency in the area.
“On September 4, 2022, the elected leaders of James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) unanimously declared a state of emergency,” JSCN said in a press release. “This Declaration is in response to the numerous murders and assaults on members of James Smith Cree Nation during the morning hours of September 4, 2022.”
The JSCN leaders are Chiefs and Councillors who represent JSCN’s three communities, including Chakastaypasin Band and Peter Chapman Band.
The release stated two Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) have been set up to help provide health support to the communities and no further information will be released at this time.
The state of emergency is scheduled to last until Sept. 30.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “shocked and devastated by the horrific attacks.”
“As Canadians, we mourn with everyone affected by this tragic violence, and with the people of Saskatchewan. We also wish a full and quick recovery to those injured,” he said in a statement released Sunday evening.
The statement also thanked first responders and said the federal government has been in direct communication with the James Smith Cree Nation community leadership.
“We are ready to assist in any way we can. Those responsible for today’s abhorrent attacks must be fully brought to justice. To James Smith Cree Nation and the people of Saskatchewan: You are in our thoughts. We are here to support you during this difficult time,” he said.
The government of Saskatchewan said they are working with local RCMP and police. They have also activated Provincial Command, according to a statement.
“Social supports for the community area will be supported by Saskatchewan Health Authority’s mental health staffing resources, Prince Albert Grand Council, and the local community. Increased security presence at area hospitals will remain into tomorrow,” the statement said.
“Flags at the Legislative Building and other provincial government buildings have been lowered and will remain at half-mast one day for each life lost.”
Weldon resident Diane Shier said she was in her garden Sunday morning when she noticed emergency crews a couple of blocks away.
Shier said her neighbour, a man who lived with his grandson, was killed. She did not want to identify the victim out of respect for his family.
“I am very upset because I lost a good neighbour.”
She said businesses in the village of about 200 people are usually closed Sundays, but stores in larger surrounding communities had closed as a safety precaution.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe took to Twitter to offer his condolences to the families and friends impacted by the attacks.
“I want to offer my deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of Saskatchewan to all of the family and friends of the victims of today’s horrific attacks,” Moe said.
“I also want to thank the RCMP and other police services for the efforts they are making to apprehend the attackers and protect the public and thank all the first responders and health care professionals who are treating numerous victims. There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence. All of Saskatchewan grieves with the victims and their families.”
The search for suspects was waged as fans descended in Regina for a sold-out annual Labour Day game between the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Regina Police Service, in a news release, said that with the help of Mounties, it was investigating on several fronts to locate and arrest the suspects and had “deployed additional resources for public safety throughout the city, including the football game at Mosaic Stadium.”
People in the area to advised to take precautions and consider sheltering in place.
“Do not leave a secure location and do not approach suspicious persons. Do not pick up hitchhikers. Report suspicious persons, emergencies or information to 9-1-1. Do not disclose police locations.”
-With files from Global News’ Irelyne Lavery & The Canadian Press
Comments