Almost nine hours following the RCMP’s swift response to reports of gunfire in Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T., authorities have given the all-clear for residents to resume normal activities. The police have lifted the shelter-in-place directive that had been enforced throughout Friday.
Although the order has been lifted and several individuals have been apprehended, the investigation remains ongoing. The RCMP emphasized in a news release on Friday at 8:30 p.m. that an increased police presence will persist in the community. They stated that the incident appears to have been a targeted assault.
Residents have been urged to stay vigilant for any suspicious behavior and to report any relevant information to the Behchokǫ̀ RCMP. Earlier on Friday, law enforcement had indicated that they were searching for five or six armed individuals believed to be traveling on two snowmobiles. However, no injuries were reported to the authorities.
In an evening press release, the police disclosed that based on further investigation and risk assessment, the community is now deemed safe. Furthermore, the RCMP has set up a dedicated website for community members to submit any video, photo, or digital evidence related to the incident.
Earlier in the day, the RCMP had secured multiple residences in the area and implemented a checkpoint on the access road to Behchokǫ̀, discouraging non-essential travel. Schools in the vicinity, including Chief Jimmy Bruneau School and Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School, were placed on lockdown but later permitted parents to pick up their children after 8 p.m.
Both schools communicated via Facebook that students were safe and well-cared for, with staff ensuring their comfort and safety until transportation arrangements were made. Additionally, the Tłı̨chǫ government advised parents not to visit daycares until the lockdown was lifted, confirming that all children were safe and under staff supervision.
The RCMP, in an earlier news release, announced the deployment of additional police resources to Behchokǫ̀ and cautioned against disclosing police locations in the community. Specialty units and a critical incident commander were among the deployed personnel, although specific details were withheld for safety and operational reasons.
Behchokǫ̀, home to around 2,000 residents, is situated approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Yellowknife. Chief Bertha Rabesca-Zoe, en route back to Behchokǫ̀ from Toronto, urged community members to watch out for one another during this time. Former chief Clifford Daniels shared his experience of the day, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the community’s anxieties about the unfolding events.
While the RCMP did not confirm if charges had been filed against the arrested individuals, they expressed gratitude to the community for their cooperation and patience throughout the incident.