Woman dead, man critical in Prince Rupert, B.C., mall shooting

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.

The mayor of Prince Rupert says a shooting at a local mall that left one person dead and another critically injured is "truly tragic" and that supports are available for anyone in the small community who may need them.

At approximately 08:30 a.m., the Prince Rupert RCMP received a priority 1 call for shots fired at the Ocean Centre Mall. The RCMP said some members who were already in the area responded immediately and quickly determined that it was not an active shooter situation but rather an isolated incident between 2 people.

The suspect, a 44-year-old man, is believed to have shot the victim, a 52-year-old woman, before attempting to take his own life.

Police say the man and woman were known to each-other. The woman was pronounced dead on scene and the man was transported to the local hospital and is currently in critical condition.

Mayor Herb Pond said his office, located near the scene, was locked down for about 90 minutes with people being told not to leave.

"When you get the word that this is a truly tragic incident it's overwhelming. A lot of our staff know at least some of the individuals involved. There's some overlap. So we're offering counselling to our people," he said.

Pond encouraged residents who felt affected by the incident to seek out resources.

"So make sure you reach out and get the help you need. (There's) nothing wrong with getting help," he said.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Dave Uppal said police knew of the trauma the shooting would have on many people and supports were in place for those who may need help.

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ORIGINAL 11:55 a.m.

Mounties in Prince Rupert, B.C., say one person is dead and another has been critically injured in a shooting in the Ocean Centre Mall.

Police say they were called to the mall Monday morning for a "serious police incident."

A statement from police says the situation is unfolding and they are asking residents to avoid the mall as their officers work to gather evidence.

Staff Sgt. Dave Uppal says that they know of the trauma this shooting will have on many people and supports are in place for those who may need help.

Eryn Collins, a spokeswoman with the Northern Health authority, says their Prince Rupert health unit is in the mall, but the incident did not take place in the unit.

She says the offices have been closed until further notice and clients who have appointments have been informed.

Premier David Eby began his news conference on housing today by expressing his concern about the police incident in the mall.