Authorities have apprehended the individual linked to what the RCMP termed a “mass shooting” that occurred in Fort Smith, N.W.T., on Saturday.
The arrest took place without any incidents around 4:30 a.m. MT on Sunday, according to a police statement. Charges are anticipated as the investigation continues. This suspect is now in custody alongside two other individuals of interest who were detained on Saturday.
Mayor Dana Fergusson expressed that the news brings a “gentle sense of relief.”
“It’s one fewer bad actor in our community,” she remarked on Sunday. “Knowing that this person is detained provides a sense of security for everyone.”
Mayor witnessed the event
In her capacity as mayor of Fort Smith, Dana Fergusson is also the owner of the bar where the shooting took place, making her an eyewitness to the incident. As the opening event of the Fireweed Festival was concluding, a confrontation outside Dirty O’Fergies bar resulted in gunfire, injuring three individuals. The community was placed on lockdown, with a shelter-in-place directive enforced for over 13 hours.
Fergusson was present in the parking lot during the shooting. After aiding the victims, she assisted in ensuring the safety of others until emergency services arrived.
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The names of the victims and specifics about their injuries remain undisclosed. However, Fergusson stated that they were medically evacuated from the community.
“I sense that those affected are healing and doing what they need to recover,” she commented. “Their families are supporting them through this.”
Mayor Dana Fergusson owns the bar where the shooting occurred and witnessed the incident. She said news of the arrest of a suspect brings a sense of relief. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)
The police presence in the area increased significantly, with additional resources dispatched from Yellowknife and Yukon to aid in locating the suspect.
“The relentless efforts of our officers and specialized teams enabled us to resolve this situation. We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety of Fort Smith,” stated RCMP Inspector James Lai in a Sunday announcement. “I would like to express gratitude to the residents and local leadership for their ongoing cooperation and patience.”
Police clean up crime scene tape outside Dirty O’Fergies bar. Three people were injured in a shooting early on Saturday morning. (Jared Monkman/CBC)
Once the lockdown was lifted, community members rallied to ensure that others had access to necessities, from groceries to vital information. Fergusson remarked that this support, following a day of confinement, showcases the town’s strong spirit.
“Great job, Fort Smith,” she praised. “Thank you for being there for one another and lifting each other up. This is what makes our community truly beautiful.”
Festival resumes
The Fireweed Festival, which had been delayed during the lockdown, also made a comeback.
“Just like fireweed — resilient, determined, and capable of flourishing after the toughest times — we will rise together,” festival organizers stated in a social media post on Saturday as music returned to Dirty O’Fergies.
One of the stages from the 2024 Fireweed Festival in Fort Smith. Festival activities were postponed on Saturday as the community remained in lockdown for over 13 hours. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)
Events resumed on Sunday, with organizers encouraging attendees to support vendors and artists who had come to participate in the festival and were affected.
Fergusson was present at Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park on Sunday, where food vendors, artists, and musicians had gathered. She noted that the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the silence experienced the previous day.
“I can hear music. There’s so much traffic, and many people are parking and walking over,” she said. “The community needs something to bring joy.”
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the altercation leading up to the shooting to reach out to investigators at the Fort Smith RCMP detachment on Monday between 1 p.m. MT and 9 p.m. MT, even if they have previously spoken to the police.