La Loche, Saskatechewan (Source: Google Maps)
La Loche, Saskatechewan (Source: Google Maps)

(The Canadian Press and News 1130)  Four people are dead after the shooting in La Loche, Saskatchewan. There are others are in critical condition. A suspect is in custody.

‘The commissioner of the RCMP advised me that there are five fatalities and two critically injured,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters from Davos, Switzerland.

“The alleged shooter is in custody right now. Police have assured me that the situation is under control,” he added.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare. When I spoke with community leaders, they obviously expressed that the community is reeling. All of us across this country, hearts are going out to the families and to the whole community.”

The shooting happened at the La Loche Community School’s junior and senior high school building, which was put in lockdown. Mounties asked parents and residents to stay away.

The Ducharme Elementary School a few blocks away was also locked down as a precaution.

NDP MP Georgina Jolibois is the former mayor of La Loche.

“I am shaken and saddened by the shooting at the high school. The community is shaken up, though the community is a fairly strong community and will come together,” says Joibois.

 

 

Premier Brad Wall has issued the following statement:

“Words cannot express my shock and sorrow at the horrific events today in La Loche. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, their families and friends and all the people of the community.

Thank you to the RCMP and all the emergency personnel who responded quickly to the shootings. Saskatchewan Education and Social Services will be available to provide all necessary crisis support and counselling services to the school and the community.”

La Loche is a remote Dene community of about 3,000 people on the eastern shore of Lac La Loche in the northern boreal forest.