Shelter in place lifted, 2 people arrested after shooting that injured 3 in Fort Smith, N.W.T.

Further details have yet to be confirmed by RCMP, but festival organizers state there have been injuries.

Residents ordered to shelter in place

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RCMP issued a shelter in place order for the community of Fort Smith, N.W.T., just after 3 a.m. on Saturday as they search for an armed male suspect. 

Organizers of the Fireweed Festival released a statement on social media warning that a “serious incident” involving a firearm had occurred at the kickoff party at Dirty O’Fergies. In the post, the festival stated that several individuals were injured. This has yet to be confirmed by police. 

The RCMP is searching for an armed male suspect. Described as wearing a grey sweater, police have opened a community portal for the public to collect digital evidence from witnesses.

Residents are advised to stay in their homes and not open the door for anyone, as well as refrain from posting photos of responding officers on social media. 

The CBCs Jared Monkman is in Fort Smith this weekend to broadcast The Weekender live from the festival. That show is still scheduled to begin starting at 6 a.m. MT. Tune in on your radio or on CBC Listen. 

More to come

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Davey-Quantick has been reporting in the North since 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) from the University of King's College, and a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies from Queen's University for her thesis, Dumpcano: Waste Management and Environmental Justice in Iqaluit. You can reach her at jessica.davey-quantick@cbc.ca.