In Fort Smith, N.W.T., the individual responsible for what authorities termed a “mass shooting” has been apprehended, as confirmed by the RCMP. The arrest took place without any issues around 4:30 a.m. MT on Sunday, with pending charges awaiting further investigation. This suspect now joins two other individuals of interest who were detained the previous day.
Expressing a sense of relief, Mayor Dana Fergusson welcomed the news, stating, “It’s one more bad guy out of the community, you know. Having that person detained and arrested really gives people peace of mind.”
Aside from her mayoral duties, Fergusson owns the bar where the shooting transpired and witnessed the incident. During the closing moments of the Fireweed Festival’s opening event, an altercation outside Dirty O’Fergies bar escalated into gunfire, resulting in three individuals sustaining injuries. Following the incident, the community was placed under lockdown for over 13 hours.
While the identities of the victims and the specifics of their injuries remain undisclosed, Fergusson mentioned that they were medically evacuated from the area. She expressed optimism about their recovery process, emphasizing the support they are receiving from their families.
The police presence significantly surged, with additional resources from Yellowknife and Yukon aiding in the suspect’s apprehension. RCMP Inspector James Lai commended the tireless efforts of the officers and specialized units, emphasizing their commitment to Fort Smith’s safety. He also thanked the residents and local leadership for their ongoing cooperation and patience.
Once the lockdown was lifted, community members rallied to support one another, ensuring everyone’s needs were met. Fergusson highlighted the town’s solidarity, praising the collective effort to uplift and assist each other.
After the shelter-in-place order was lifted, the Fireweed Festival resumed its activities. Describing the festival’s return as a symbol of resilience and unity, organizers expressed their determination to rise above challenges. With music once again filling Dirty O’Fergies, attendees were encouraged to show their support for impacted vendors and artists.
Festival events continued on Sunday, with Fergusson observing a stark contrast in the atmosphere compared to the previous day. She noted the lively ambiance at Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park, where food vendors, artists, and musicians gathered, providing the community with a sense of joy and normalcy.
Authorities have urged anyone present during the altercation preceding the shooting to come forward and provide information to investigators at the Fort Smith RCMP detachment on Monday between 1 p.m. MT and 9 p.m. MT, regardless of prior interactions with law enforcement.