Fort St. John’s mayor is urging for increased provincial police resources to address a recent surge in gun violence near schools in northeastern B.C. The plea follows what authorities suspect was the third targeted shooting at a residence in the city on Friday night. Details on the incidents are scant, with no suspects identified as of yet.
Mayor Lilia Hansen is advocating for the deployment of B.C.’s gang task force to quell the violence in the city. Expressing concern over the escalating situation, Hansen emphasized the need for a more robust law enforcement presence. RCMP is actively investigating the series of shootings that commenced on July 22, with a focus on apprehending the perpetrators.
Residents living near the latest shooting site have expressed shock and unease at the sudden uptick in violence, particularly given the proximity of the incidents to elementary and middle schools. Concerned about the safety of his children, a local resident, Thomas Whitton, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stressing the importance of providing law enforcement with the necessary resources to combat the violence effectively.
As the new school year approaches, stakeholders are increasingly worried about the impact of these incidents on the community. Helen Gilbert, chair of the local board of education, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential risk to innocent individuals posed by such acts of violence. She underscored the need for vigilance and strategic planning by the district safety team as students prepare to return to school.
The authorities are intensifying efforts to address the situation, with a dedicated focus on apprehending the culprits and preventing further violence. The community remains on edge as investigations continue, highlighting the urgency of combating the escalating violence in Fort St. John.
