Shooting in Nova Scotia

[Skate Talker]

I can't edit that post anymore.

Sorry to hear that - if you are willing perhaps an admin can do it.

Thank you for the pictures of the victims.

 

[Dave of the North]

I saw her interview on CBC. She was already at the scene - she and her husband were neighbours who had arrived to check out the scene (having heard gunfire/explosions) and found another neighbour on the ground outside the burning house. She called 911 from the scene, gave details, and was put through to EHS who asked her to check for signs of life.

Thanks, that makes more sense.

 

[TygerLily]

all adults

The RCMP statement is slightly misleading as one victim was 17.

 

[Japanfan]

She was an RCMP veteran of 23 years service, not a 23 year old officer. She was a mother of two who are both under 16, I believe.

Okay, I'm really getting old. She looked 23 to me!

 

[victorskid]

The death toll is now 18 innocent victims confirmed plus two presumed victims (their house was burned to the ground; they have not been heard from). There remains the possibility of more victims due to the number of burned structures still to be searched and/or DNA matching to be done. At least two dogs, in two separate locations, were injured by gunshots and have been restored to health by veterinarians who charged nothing for the necessary surgeries. It is presumed that a number of additional family pets died in the burned structures.

Virtual memorials/vigils are taking place - a sad necessity in these times of physical distancing, self isolation, etc.

 

[Buzz]

The number of victims has now risen to 23.

Canada shooting: Death toll in Nova Scotia rises to 22

The newly confirmed victims include a 17-year-old while a motive for the crime is yet to be determined.

www.bbc.com

 

[Judy]

It’s just horrifying. I just saw an interview with a husband whose Wife was killed. She was on her way to see a Patient as she is VON. She was also pregnant and they were going to tell the family this week. He was just so broken.

if you know anything about Nova Scotia .. they are people who would give their shirt off their back to help a stranger. They are so devastated.

 

[skategal]

Horrifying is the right word.

It will take a long time for (us) Nova Scotians to recover from this.

 

[Judy]

Horrifying is the right word.

It will take a long time for (us) Nova Scotians to recover from this.

yes it will. Hugs.

 

[Judy]

What on earth does the OKC bombing and Waco have to do with Canada? This is so despicable.

My neighbour mentioned that too to me although she also mentioned Columbine (April 20th). White supremacy groups, anti-government. It’s too ehe likely arly to say it’ll be a very long investigation.

i don’t think he intended to come out alive .. he likely started shooting or had the gun in his hand. I am glad he is dead.

 

[victorskid]

The official update from the RCMP Nova Scotia as posted on Facebook today (I've "sanitized" the suspect's name) - this initially referred to 23 victims but that was updated to 22, the suspect would be the 23rd death:

Update on Investigation into the incidents on April 18 and 19
April 21, 2020, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia . . .
The Nova Scotia RCMP continues to investigate the incidents that began on April 18 in Portapique. The investigation is detailed and complex. The investigative team is focused on learning more about this very tragic situation, including accurate victim information and whether others may have aided the suspect.

The following is an account of what we know so far about the incidents on April 18 and 19:
On Saturday, April 18, Nova Scotia RCMP members responded to a possible shooting incident at a home in Portapique in Colchester County.

When police arrived, members located several casualties inside and outside of a home. They did not, however, locate a suspect. Officers secured the area and began to search for the suspect.

Residents of the immediate area were being evacuated by police while the search was ongoing.

The initial search for a suspect led to multiple sites in the immediate area, including structures and vehicles that were on fire.

G** W** was identified as the suspect and the search for him continued overnight and into the morning of Sunday, April 19 through multiple communities in Colchester County.

The search ended on April 19 when G** W** was located by members at a service station in Enfield. W** was shot by police and later died. This matter has been referred to SiRT.

Nova Scotia RCMP are currently at 16 specific locations in the communities of Portapique, Wentworth, Debert, Shubenacadie/Milford and Enfield to gather evidence and learn more about what occurred at each location.

We believe there to be 22 victims, including a 17-year-old. All other victims are adults, both men and women. Among the victims is Cst. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the RCMP. Some of the victims were known to G** W** and were targeted while others were not known to the suspect.

Our thoughts are with all of the victims’ families and we are particularly mindful of families who have not yet received confirmation that their loved ones were involved. This is an unprecedented incident that has resulted in incredible loss and heartbreak for countless families and loved ones. So many lives will be forever touched, including all who responded, community members, multiple RCMP units, including our Operational Communications Centre, municipal police services, firefighters, and EHS.

Nova Scotia RCMP would like to acknowledge the support we have been receiving from Nova Scotians, from Canadians and from our many colleagues here and across the country. Your support means so much and will help us heal. While we have lost one of our own, and had one of our members injured, we would like to acknowledge the many other individuals who were affected by this tragedy. We are humbled by the stories of their lives and contributions to their communities.

Attached are questions and answers that provide more information on the tragic incidents of April 18 and 19.
More information will be provided when available.
Q: How many victims are there?
A: There are 23 deceased, including a 17-year-old. All other victims are adults, both men and women. Among the victims is Cst. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the RCMP.

Q: How many people were injured?
A: One of our members, Cst. Chad Morrison, was injured and we have information that other members of the public have been injured as well.

Q: Who was Cst. Heidi Stevenson?
A: Heidi was a devoted mother to 13-year-old Connor, and 11-year-old Ava, a wife to Dean, and loving daughter. She was incredibly proud to be a member of the RCMP and of the work she did as a part of this organization.

Q: Where can the public send condolences for Cst. Stevenson’s family?
A: Condolences can be sent to [email protected].

Q: Were the victims known to the suspect?
A: Some of the victims were known to G** W** and were targeted while others were not known to him. We will not be providing more information on how the victims may have been known to G** W** .

Q: What should I do if I’m worried a loved one is a victim?
A: If you are concerned about a loved one, please contact your nearest police detachment. We will get back to you and work to locate your loved one. Our members are working with the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to identify victims and connect with their families as quickly as possible. I can assure you that as soon as we identify victims, we are notifying their next of kin.

The course of events
Q: Where did it happen?
A: This tragedy began in Portapique. Victims were also found in Wentworth, Debert, Shubenacadie/Milford and Enfield.

Q: Was this a planned event?
A: That is part of our ongoing investigation.

Q: Why did he do this?
A: We aren’t speculating on G** W**’s motives. Trying to answer this question is part of the investigation.

Q: Were there fires related to this?
A: There were more than five structure fires and vehicle fires related to the events.

Q: Were there victims in any of the fires?
A: Yes, we have recovered remains from some of the locations of the fires.

Q: What did the first call come in as?
A: The call RCMP first responded to was a firearms complaint.
A : Nous avons reçu une plainte concernant des armes à feu.

Q: How much time passed between when the initial call came in and when G** W** was apprehended?
A: The firearms call came in at approximately 10:30 p.m. on April 18 and G** W** was shot at approximately noon on April 19.

Q: How was G** W** located?
A: The search for G** W** ended on April 19 when he was located by members at a service station in Enfield. G** W** was shot by police and later died.

Q: What has the investigation involved so far?
A: There are several aspects of the investigation, including interviews, processing crime scenes, analytical work and searches of G** W**’s properties.

Q: Given this incident, how can I trust that someone is a real RCMP officer?
A: This was an unprecedented event and as soon as we learned that the suspect was possibly in a replica police cruiser and wearing what appeared to be an RCMP uniform, we immediately informed the public. Nova Scotians can rest assured that the RCMP is committed to keeping the public informed and instructing Nova Scotians on how to protect themselves from threats to public safety.

If you notice anything suspicious, or if anything just seems “off”, please call police and we will investigate. In an emergency, call 911.

SiRT Investigations [SiRT = Serious incident Response Team]
Q: Has anything been referred to SiRT?
A: Two matters, including the death of the suspect, are being investigated by SiRT. As these are now SiRT matters, we will not be providing more detail.

About G** W**
Q: Was G** W** an RCMP employee?
A: GG** W** was not an RCMP employee.

Q: Did G** W** have a criminal record?
A: No.

Q: Is G** W** the only suspect in this investigation?
A: This is part of our ongoing investigation.

Q: Was G** W** driving an authentic police cruiser?
A: One of the vehicles G** W** was driving was a very real look-alike RCMP vehicle.

Q: You released a photo of the car G** W** was driving that resembled a police cruiser. How was it obtained?
A: This is part of the investigation.

Q: Was G** W** wearing an authentic police uniform?
A: Yes, he was.

 

[MacMadame]

(I've "sanitized" the suspect's name)

It's still in there in a few places if you want to go back and edit.

 

[victorskid]

It's still in there in a few places if you want to go back and edit.

Search only found the name twice and I have fixed them. Are there more places??

 

[VALuvsMKwan]

Search only found the name twice and I have fixed them. Are there more places??

One last name and one full name reference. If you redacted those, you caught all that I saw.

 

[MacMadame]

Search only found the name twice and I have fixed them. Are there more places??

I should have written them down! You found the one with just his last name but I swear there was a place where his full name was listed twice. I can't find anything though.

 

[Skate Talker]

I should have written them down! You found the one with just his last name but I swear there was a place where his full name was listed twice. I can't find anything though.

I saw several too the first time I read it but perhaps we saw a really early "version".

Nova Scotia - I don't really travel anymore but I have always wanted to visited our Atlantic provinces. My thoughts are with you all.

 

[victorskid]

I saw several too the first time I read it but perhaps we saw a really early "version".

Nova Scotia - I don't really travel anymore but I have always wanted to visited our Atlantic provinces. My thoughts are with you all.

I had no intention of increasing the infamy of the suspected shooter whose name and background was well publicized in the early day(s) and I made every effort to remove his name when I posted. I am sorry if I missed a couple of instances in the initial post and I believe I corrected that as soon as I was made aware of overlooking them.

I am a native Nova Scotian who has "lived away" for many decades but who normally gets a "fix" of salt air and seafood through at least one trip "home" every year. The current travel restrictions, etc. make a trip this year unlikely

I feel heartsick about the worst mass shooting in Canada's history happening in my beloved province, particularly because
the restrictions are impacting the mourning and grieving

 

[skatingguy]

There are videos embedded in the article that I can't post directly to this site. They are heart wrenching, and difficult to watch.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/corrie-ellison-mass-shooting-brother-clinton-hiding-1.5541082

 

[Dave of the North]

RCMP had some problems during the manhunt:

https://preview.tinyurl.com/y8hskwc8

"Nova Scotia’s police watchdog is investigating why two uniformed officers were shooting in the direction of a fire hall in Onslow being used as a place of refuge the morning of the shooting rampage."

This is the second SIRT investigation referred to in other news reports. The other one is about the events in Enfield where the shooter was killed.

Meanwhile they were working on the wording of an alert message:

https://preview.tinyurl.com/y72d8aba

"Leather said there were delays in communications between the province and various officers, as well as the discussion about what the message would say. "

I wonder how many layers of bureaucracy had to approve the message?

 

[Anemone]

There will be a virtual vigil for Nova Scotia & the victims tomorrow (Friday) evening beginning at 7pm Atlantic time.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/virtual-vigil-facebook-22-victims-nova-scotia-shooting-1.5541093

How to watch the virtual vigil for the Nova Scotia victims

In response to the tragic events in Nova Scotia last weekend, CTV Atlantic, CTV2 Atlantic, CTVNews.ca and CTV News Channel are offering live coverage of Friday night’s virtual vigil to pay tribute to the victims.

www.ctvnews.ca

 

[Skate Talker]

I had no intention of increasing the infamy of the suspected shooter whose name and background was well publicized in the early day(s) and I made every effort to remove his name when I posted. I am sorry if I missed a couple of instances in the initial post and I believe I corrected that as soon as I was made aware of overlooking them.

Your efforts are certainly appreciated. I hope you didn't take my comments as criticism. I guess I just mentioned having seen more than 2 instances to let MacMadame know she(?) wasn't seeing things that weren't there. It really was a pointless comment - sorry.

I wonder how many layers of bureaucracy had to approve the message?

I saw an interview with a former RCMP commissioner and he said probably each level kept referring it up to a higher level for permission and that this will probably be something they will examine carefully and most likely come up with a new protocol so lower levels will be empowered to authorize in serious emergent situations.

 

[Japanfan]

I saw an interview with a former RCMP commissioner and he said probably each level kept referring it up to a higher level for permission and that this will probably be something they will examine carefully and most likely come up with a new protocol so lower levels will be empowered to authorize in serious emergent situations.

I read that it wasn't possible to get in touch with the highest level personnel required to send out that alert.

 

[Desperado]

There will be a news conference at 10 am EST. Journalists are finally discussing the domestic violence aspect of this: https://globalnews.ca/news/6858994/nova-scotia-shootings-gunman-attacked-girlfriend/

Not sure why there was a delay, the RCMP has withheld a lot of information, perhaps because they wanted to keep investigating the possibility of accomplices or simply to cover their *sses. It always hard to tell with them.

 

[Skate Talker]

The press conference is just surreal. So very very sad. Just revealing that much after the fact the RCMP are hearing that a vehicle may have been seen leaving their area of original containment driving through a field.

 

[Dave of the North]

I read that it wasn't possible to get in touch with the highest level personnel required to send out that alert.

In that case, one should go above that level, unless we are talking about the Commissioner here...

I saw an interview with a former RCMP commissioner and he said probably each level kept referring it up to a higher level for permission and that this will probably be something they will examine carefully and most likely come up with a new protocol so lower levels will be empowered to authorize in serious emergent situations.

I expect because the RCMP is a large bureaucracy they will do the opposite, add more layers of approval for ass-covering.

The current commissioner was picked to send a message and deal with some very serious problems within the organization. I wonder if that total inward focus is having bad effects on the basic policing work they are supposed to be doing.

 

[skatingguy]

RCMP have sent out an emergency alert for an active shooter in the Halifax area. Residents are asked to shelter in place.

 

[skategal]

RCMP have sent out an emergency alert for an active shooter in the Halifax area. Residents are asked to shelter in place.

Yes we are sheltering in place here. Police on the scene of three unconfirmed shootings all called in shortly after the Two minutes of silence for the slain RCMP officer.

Two sites are too close for comfort for us (15 minutes drive away)

ugh this sucks so much.

Those who pray, please do.

 

[Cachoo]

What the hell?

 

[skategal]

Update:

Police just gave all clear.

2 arrested earlier on weapons related charges in one area of Halifax but nothing found in areas close to here.

Phew....

 

[victorskid]

Over a 13 hour period one person, driving what appeared to be an RCMP vehicle and wearing what appeared to be an RCMP uniform, managed to kill 22 people (one of them pregnant) and wound several others. His first intended victim, although forcibly confined by him, managed to escape and hide in the woods overnight, emerged very in the morning, and was able to confirm the identity of the shooter; someone who had already become a suspect for the police; and to provide valuable information about his vehicle and appearance. Some (many?) of his victims were deliberately chosen but several just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He ended up using two additional vehicles, the owners of which he killed. At the end, having changed clothes and being need of gas in the third vehicle, he went to a gas station. Serendipitously, an unmarked RCMP vehicle with
heavily armed police and dogs also pulled in for gas, he was recognized by one of them and was shot!

I cannot imagine how difficult it was for the police involved who ended up "looking for someone who looked just like us".