The day following a shooting incident at West Edmonton Mall that resulted in three individuals being hospitalized, law enforcement conducted a press briefing on Tuesday morning to elaborate on the incident and the ongoing investigation.
Acting Chief Darren Derko addressed the press, expressing gratitude that no lives were lost during the incident and reiterating the belief that the shooting had a specific target. He assured the citizens of Edmonton that their safety remained intact.
Around 7:40 p.m. on Monday, authorities responded to multiple reports of gunfire at the complex. The mall was subsequently placed on lockdown, and people were advised to avoid the area.
Derko revealed that four males had entered the mall and spent approximately 40 minutes inside. Upon exiting the mall’s west side near Entrance 55 and the Wild West Shooting Centre, they encountered a white SUV. This encounter escalated into a gunfire exchange.
“Two of the males collapsed on the pavement with serious injuries’ and the two others fled into the mall,” Derko stated. He added that one of the individuals who fled sought refuge in the mall’s gun range, while the other escaped through the mall unharmed.
Hospital reports indicated that three individuals were admitted with significant injuries, including gunshot wounds to their legs and torsos. The lockdown began to be lifted shortly before 10 p.m.
The ages of the victims remain undisclosed.
Movie-goers were seen being let out of the nearby Scotiabank Cineplex movie theatre, where police said there were about 200 people that night.
According to Derko, investigators have retrieved the SUV linked to the incident, but further verification is needed. He also disclosed that a handgun was discovered during a sweep of the mall on Monday night, presumably belonging to one of the involved parties.
Although the police had not confirmed any suspects in connection with the shooting on Monday, it was strongly believed to have been a targeted attack. Derko expressed hope that the hospitalized individuals could assist the police in making arrests.
He acknowledged the concern surrounding public safety during such events and reaffirmed that the shooting was not a random occurrence. However, the identities of the groups involved and the motives behind the incident remain unclear.
Derko mentioned that intelligence was being gathered, but it was too early to determine whether the shooting was linked to an ongoing conflict or persistent violence.
In response to the incident, West Edmonton Mall officials issued a statement on Tuesday, affirming their collaboration with the Edmonton Police Service to ensure guest safety and security.
Derko expressed concern over the spread of misinformation about the incident and urged the public to rely on the police and reputable media outlets for accurate updates.
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