10 dead, 15 injured in mass stabbing in Saskatchewan, Canada
At least 10 people have died and 15 others have been injured in a spate of stabbings in 13 locations in the province of Saskatchewan, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
“It’s horrific what happened in our province today,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said at a news conference Sunday.
Police said the victims were a mix of those chosen at random and some specifically targeted.
Officers are trying to find suspects Damien and Myles Sanderson, who were last seen driving a black Nissan Rogue with Saskatchewan license plate 119 MPI.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter that the government was in “direct communication” with local authorities, including James Smith’s Cree Nation leadership, and “ready to assist in any way we can.” “Those responsible for today’s abominable attacks must be fully brought to justice,” he said.
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ICYMI: Saskatchewan Health Authority emergency response processes have been activated
Saskatchewan Health Authority [SHA] said Sunday that a “code orange” for a mass casualty event had been triggered by the stabbing violence that unfolded in the western Canadian province.
“Our medical teams are working hard to respond to the needs of patients as this incident unfolds,” a statement from the SHA said. “We can confirm that multiple people are being picked up and served in multiple locations.”
Earlier, Rhonda Blackmore, assistant commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said the dead and injured were found at 13 sites on the James Smith Cree Nation and in the nearby town of Weldon.
She, however, also added that there may be additional victims “who were taken to the hospital.”
Maroosha Muzaffar September 5, 2022 8:15 am
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The First Nations Horsemen’s Association says many members have been affected by the tragedy
Following the Saskatchewan tragedy in which 10 people lost their lives and 15 were injured, the First Nations Horsemen’s Association of Canada issued a statement saying many of its members are from the Cree Nation of James Smith and were “shocked by the tragedy.”
They did not release the names of the victims until they were officially confirmed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
“On behalf of our entire racing community, our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the Cree Nation of James Smith and the surrounding area,” read a statement from the group.
Maroosha Muzaffar September 5, 2022 07:59
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The motive for the stabbings is still unclear, according to police
Rhonda Blackmore, assistant commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Saskatchewan, said police have not yet determined a motive for the stabbings.
At a press conference on Sunday, he said: “To talk about a motive would be extremely difficult at this point.” It is also unclear whether the two suspects, Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson, are related to each other.
“If Damien and Myles are listening or receiving this information, I would ask them to turn themselves into the police immediately,” he said.
Regina Police Chief Evan Bray later said in a video posted on Twitter nearly 12 hours after the first stabbing that the suspects were “likely” in the city of Regina.
The suspects are “armed and dangerous.”
Maroosha Muzaffar September 5, 2022 6:48 am
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Two suspects ‘probable’ in city of Regina, police chief says
The two suspects “are likely” in Regina, the city’s police chief, Evan Bray, said in a video posted on Twitter Sunday night.
Bray said he wanted to provide “a quick update” on what he called a “developing situation” and said “we still believe these suspects are likely in the city of Regina and as such we have many resources that are they dedicate themselves to it.”
Maroosha Muzaffar 5 September 2022 06:19
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A Saskatchewan woman claims the suspects’ car was stolen from her brother
Tiaraa Twist, a resident of Kinistino, Saskatchewan, wrote on her Facebook that her brother’s Nissan Rogue was stolen by the multiple stabbing suspects.
He wrote on his social media: “This is my brother’s vehicle they took when they entered our home on James Smith Cree Nation…”
He continued, “I’m glad my sister wasn’t home at the time, because her room was the room closest to the door.” Ms Twist said she was not too worried about the stolen car but hoped the “monsters” would be caught soon.
Maroosha Muzaffar September 5, 2022 6:15 am
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77-year-old widower among the victims: “I wouldn’t hurt a fly”
Residents of Weldon in Saskatchewan have identified one of the victims of the attacks as Wes Petterson, the Associated Press reported.
A woman named Ruby Works said Petterson was her uncle. “He didn’t do anything. He didn’t deserve this. He was a good and very good man. I’ve known him since I was a little girl.”
Ms Works said news of the 77-year-old widower’s death has shaken the community. “No one in this town will ever sleep again. They will be terrified to open their door,” she was quoted as saying.
Another Weldon resident, Robert Rush, described Petterson as a man who “wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Maroosha Muzaffar September 5, 2022 05:55
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Flags to fly at half-mast one day for every life lost in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s legislative building and other provincial government buildings have their flags at half-mast today after mass stabbings left 10 dead and 15 injured.
Flags will remain at half-mast for one day for each life lost, Canadian Press reporter Mickey Djuric reported.
She tweeted: “The province says the flags at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and other provincial government buildings have been lowered and will remain at half-mast for one day for each life lost.”
Maroosha Muzaffar September 5, 2022 05:40
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Community in shock when some businesses close their doors
As the police hunt for two suspects continues, Saskatchewan residents have been urged to remain cautious and alert, even as an outpouring of grief over the killings has begun.
It was reported that at the Weldon Christian Tabernacle Church in Saskatchewan, the congregation began their regular Sunday service by saying a special prayer for the victims and their families.
On the James Smith Cree Nation, at a convenience store that doubles as a gas station, community members gathered to grieve together.
A sign on the door read, “Due to safety concerns with our community, we will be closed until further notice.”
Maroosha Muzaffar 5 September 2022 05:33
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Mother of two among 10 dead in Saskatchewan stabbings
A mother of two is among 10 people killed in a fatal stabbing in Saskatchewan on Sunday.
The victim was identified as Lana Head, who is the former partner of Cree member Michael Brett Burns, and the mother of his two daughters.
Mr. Burns was quoted by APTN News as saying that Head and his partner died of their injuries Sunday on the James Smith Cree Nation reservation.
“It’s bad how prison, drugs and alcohol can destroy so many lives,” Burns said. “I’m hurt by all this loss.”
Maroosha Muzaffar 5 September 2022 05:22
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Indigenous leaders claim the attack may have been drug-related
A statement by indigenous leaders indicated that the attacks may have been drug-related, Reuters reported.
“This is the destruction we face when harmful illegal drugs invade our communities,” said the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. The group represents 74 Saskatchewan First Nations.
Police are still looking for the two suspects: Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson.
Myles Sanderson was reported to be listed as “unlawfully at large” by Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers in May.
Maroosha Muzaffar 5 September 2022 05:11