RCMP in the NWT say the person suspected of shootings in Fort Providence that killed one person and injured two others may have left the territory.
No arrests have been made following the early Saturday shootings in the hamlet of 700 people.
NWT and Alberta forensics teams are working in the community alongside the territory’s Major Crimes Unit and police dog team, with extra general duty officers arriving from other communities, RCMP stated on Monday afternoon.
“Both surviving victims remain in hospital at this time. One of the victims has been reported to be in serious condition while the other is stable,” police stated.
“This incident has been determined to be linked to the illicit drug trade in Fort Providence. It is believed that the suspect in this case has fled the community and may have left the territory.”
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In a weekend statement, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Kele Antoine said he was sending “deepest love, prayers and strength” to the fellow Dehcho community of Fort Providence.
“To our own community of Fort Simpson, let this be a hard reminder that drug activity is just as bad – if not worse – right here at home. If we don’t start standing together and pushing drug dealers out of our community, it’s only a matter of time before we face the same kind of tragedy,” Chief Antoine wrote.
“Enough is enough. We must protect our community and our future.”
“My heart goes out to the residents of Fort Providence,” NWT health minister Lesa Semmler said, sharing mental health supports available in the hamlet.
