Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier today that five people were killed and two critically injured in a school shooting in northern Saskatchewan.
But the RCMP say four people were killed, not five.
Shortly after 1:00 p.m. today, La Loche RCMP received a complaint of an active at the Dene High School building of La Loche Community School.
Investigators descended on the school and immediately began searching for a suspect.
RCMP say a male was taken into police custody outside the school and a firearm was seized.
Investigators are currently present at two locations in La Loche: the 300 block of Dene Crescent and Dene High School. The RCMP say they are active investigation areas and the public is asked to not attend these locations. The lockdown was still in place at both schools in La Loche as a precaution late in the day, but has since been lifted.
In addition to those confirmed deceased, RCMP say an unknown number of people have been injured and Mounties say they do not have information about the type or extent of their injuries.
The identities of the victims have not been officially released, although names are starting to emerge on social media.
Kevin Janvier told The Associated Press that his 21-year old daughter, Marie, a teacher, was shot dead by the gunman.
“I’m just so sad.”
Marie was Janvier’s only child. He said he didn’t know if the shooter knew his daughter.
The area’s Member of Parliament, who attended the same school, told the AP she was setting up a constituency office in the community when the shooting occurred.
“We’re fairly shaken up. It’s a sad day,” said Georgina Jolibois, who was mayor of La Loche until she was elected to Parliament last fall. “My own nieces and nephews were inside the school.”
Jolibois said she went to the school and spoke with some of her family members, who were unharmed.
RCMP are emphasizing that there is no risk to public safety at this time.
Speaking from Davos, Switzerland, Trudeau called the shooting every parent’s worst nightmare.
A student who was just returning from lunch says his friends ran past him urging him to get out.
Noel Desjarlais-Thomas says they shouted at him there was someone with a shotgun and when the 16-year-old heard shots he started running.
Premier Brad Wall issued a statement expressing shock and sorrow at what he called “the horrific events.”
(with files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press)