Fort St. John Mayor Seeks Gang Task Force Amid Rising Shootings
Fort St. John's mayor is urging the provincial gang task force to intervene after a recent surge of targeted shootings near local schools, raising community safety concerns as the new school year approaches.
Mayor Lilia Hansen of Fort St. John has formally requested the assistance of British Columbia's gang task force to address a recent increase in targeted shootings within the city. This call for provincial support follows three separate shooting incidents in less than a month, with the latest occurring Friday night at a residential property. The RCMP have stated that suspects in the recent incidents have not yet been identified. Mayor Hansen expressed that the escalating number of shootings signifies a serious and urgent issue requiring a stronger police presence. The incidents have occurred in close proximity to local elementary and middle schools, causing significant concern among residents, particularly parents, as the back-to-school period nears. The RCMP has confirmed that their serious crime and street enforcement units are actively investigating these events and dedicating substantial resources to apprehending those responsible and preventing further violence.
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