Outpouring of support for injured police officers in Saanich bank shooting

The mayors of Esquimalt, Saanich, and Victoria are sharing their gratitude with police agencies, one day after a bank shooting on Vancouver Island left six officers hurt and two suspects dead. The incident shocked the community, with evacuations of nearby buildings ordered and shelter-in-place advisories issued for some time Tuesday. At one point, it was believed there was a third potential suspect, though further investigation concluded that was not the case.

There were also fears of a potential explosive device in a vehicle found at the scene, prompting police to clear out the neighbourhood. In a statement issued Wednesday, mayors Barb Desjardins, Fred Haynes, and Lisa Helps commend the efforts of officers, sending their support those those hurt as well as their families. “Yesterday in a terrible and violent act, three officers from Saanich and three from Victoria were injured in the line of duty, some with very serious injuries.

When these kinds of actions happen, our police departments and our communities that support them are shaken to the core,” the statement reads in part. Related article: Saanich bank shooting leaves 6 police officers hurt, 2 suspects dead “To the officers who were injured and to their families, our thoughts are with you and we are sending love as you move through the following days, weeks and months in recovery. We are humbled by your service and we offer our heartfelt thanks for your courage as you stood in harm’s way to keep our communities safe,” it continues.

The mayors are also offering and are encouraging the public to show support to police agency members after the violent incident. Reaction to the shooting began pouring in from across the country in the hours it unfolded. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those to express his support, saying in a tweet, “Like many people across the country, I am shocked and saddened by the violence in Saanich, British Columbia.

” “I’m keeping the police officers who were injured in today’s shooting – and their colleagues who also rushed towards danger to keep people safe – in my thoughts,” he added. Like many people across the country, I am shocked and saddened by the violence in Saanich, British Columbia. I’m keeping the police officers who were injured in today’s shooting – and their colleagues who also rushed towards danger to keep people safe – in my thoughts.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 29, 2022 B. C. Premier John Horgan also addressed the matter in an unrelated news conference Tuesday.

“I want to at the outset say that my thoughts are with the families of those who have been affected by violence in my home community on Vancouver Island. My thoughts are with them and I know that Minister (Mike) Farnworth and others will have more to say as information becomes available,” he said. Meanwhile, police chiefs from across Canada were also sharing their support.

The @TorontoPolice sends our support to the Saanich community and the members of the @SaanichPolice and @VicPDCanada. Multiple officers were shot and injured in the line of duty today. We stand with their families and hope for the full recovery of each officer.

#GVERT — Chief James Ramer (@jamesramertps) June 29, 2022 Sending our support to members of @SaanichPolice & @vicpdcanada following an incident earlier today. You’re in our thoughts and we are hopeful for a full and quick recovery of your officers #bravery — Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) June 28, 2022 The officers hurt are all members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team. Three work for the Saanich Police Department while the other three work for the Victoria Police Department.

In a news conference Tuesday, Saanich Police Chief Constable Dean Duthie said their injuries varied in severity, with some more seriously hurt and requiring surgery. Investigators say the suspects were “heavily armed,” with body armour reported. The Independent Investigations Office, which examines all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, has been called in to look at the actions of the officers in the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the toll free hotline at 1-855-446-8477. .