RCMP in Fort Smith, N.W.T., issued a shelter-in-place directive early Saturday morning while searching for an armed male suspect. The Fireweed Festival organizers took to social media, alerting the public of a “serious incident” involving a firearm at Dirty O’Fergies during the kickoff event. Although the festival mentioned multiple injuries, law enforcement is yet to confirm this.
The RCMP is actively seeking the armed male suspect, described as donning a grey sweater. To aid in the investigation, authorities have established a community portal for digital evidence collection from witnesses.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors, avoid opening doors for strangers, and refrain from sharing photos of responding officers on social platforms. Despite the situation, CBC’s Jared Monkman is present in Fort Smith to broadcast live from the festival as part of The Weekender show, scheduled to commence at 6 a.m. MT. You can tune in via radio or CBC Listen.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.