The community of Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T., was placed under a shelter-in-place order on Friday following reports of shots fired. The RCMP have taken a number of individuals
into custody, though police confirm that at least one person remains outstanding.
Emergency Response and Community Lockdown
Law enforcement officials have contained several residences and established a check stop on the access road to the community. Police advised that non-essential travel should be postponed and warned that travelers should expect delays.
The response involved an increased police presence, including a critical incident commander and specialty units. Earlier in the day, the RCMP reported searching for five or six individuals believed to be armed with long guns and traveling on two snowmobiles, one of which was orange.
Impact on Schools and Daycares
Chief Jimmy Bruneau School and Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School were placed on lockdown. School officials stated that students would not be released at the conclude of the day and school buses would not run.
The Tłı̨chǫ government also advised parents not to visit community daycares. In both schools and daycares, staff confirmed that all children are safe inside
and will remain there until the RCMP provide an official all-clear.
Community Reaction and Investigation
Behchokǫ̀ Chief Bertha Rabesca-Zoe urged residents to stay calm and lock their doors, writing, Let them do their job
regarding the police operation. Former chief and resident Clifford Daniels noted that even as the community has experienced lockdowns before, the presence of gunshots and multiple suspects made this incident feel more urgent.
The RCMP believe the incident was a targeted attack and have reported no injuries. Police are currently seeking CCTV or other footage from the area of Godliwa Tili to assist in identifying suspects.
Potential Next Steps
Authorities may continue to maintain the check stop and shelter-in-place order until the remaining outstanding individual is apprehended. A safe dismissal process for students is likely to begin only after police officially clear the lockdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were there any casualties reported?
No injuries have been reported to police.
Who is the RCMP searching for?
Police were searching for five or six individuals believed to be armed with long guns and using two snowmobiles, one of which is orange.
What is the current status of the schools in Behchokǫ̀?
Chief Jimmy Bruneau School and Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School remain on lockdown; students are safe inside and will not be released until the RCMP give the all-clear.
How do community-wide lockdowns affect the psychological sense of security in small towns?
