A shelter-in-place mandate has been lifted in Fort Smith by the N.W.T. RCMP after two individuals were apprehended following a “mass shooting incident” that left three people injured early Saturday in the community. The police stated that it is premature to confirm if the arrested individuals are connected to the incident, but they have strong grounds to suspect that it was a targeted assault.
According to the RCMP, investigations are ongoing, and there is no immediate threat to the community. Authorities have allowed residents to resume normal activities, although an increased police presence can be expected. The police were notified at around 2:12 a.m. about gunfire outside a local establishment in the community of over 2,000 residents located on the Slave River near the Alberta border.
The shooting occurred outside Dirty O’Fergies bar during the Fireweed Festival’s opening event, as witnesses recounted. The three injured individuals are currently receiving medical attention, with no details provided about their identities. Emergency response teams from the N.W.T. and the Yukon, along with police dogs, remote piloted aircraft, and the major crimes unit, are aiding the RCMP in the investigation.
Authorities described the suspect as a male with a heavy build, medium complexion, black hair, facial hair, and wearing a grey sweater. The public was cautioned not to approach the armed suspect but to immediately contact the RCMP upon sighting him. Despite releasing photos of the suspect, the RCMP cautioned against circulating AI-generated images, emphasizing that they do not match the suspect’s actual appearance.
A community portal has been established by the police for the public to provide digital evidence from witnesses. Fort Smith Mayor Dana Fergusson urged the community to remain calm, emphasizing that the incident does not reflect the community’s true nature. Fergusson was present at the scene with her son when the shooting occurred outside her family-owned bar, Dirty O’Fergies.
The altercation, initially involving a group of men, escalated into multiple shots being fired, as witnesses reported. Fergusson and her staff tended to the injured before seeking safety inside the building until emergency responders arrived. The organizers of the Fireweed Festival expressed devastation over the incident, with one organizer highlighting the effort put into the festival and the diverse attendees it attracted.
The Fireweed Festival organizers announced on Facebook that the event will proceed as planned following the lifting of the shelter-in-place order. They emphasized that there is no ongoing risk associated with the festival, as advised by the RCMP. Acknowledging the severity of the situation, they reassured attendees that they understand if some may not feel prepared to participate.
The festival’s post concluded with a message of resilience, likening the community’s spirit to the fireweed flower, symbolizing strength and renewal after adversity. CBC’s Jared Monkman will be reporting live from Fort Smith on The Weekender from 6 to 9 a.m. Sunday for those interested in updates.
