Alberta RCMP helping with Saskatchewan mass stabbing investigation

Alberta RCMP officers have been sent to Saskatchewan to help investigate Sunday’s mass stabbing in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, northeast of Saskatoon.

The stabbing rampage left 10 people dead and 18 others injured.

Damien and Myles Sanderson are wanted on charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Alberta RCMP Cpl. Candace Hrdlicka says “numerous” officers, including those with the Special Tactical Operations (STO) Unit and Major Crimes Unit, were sent to the neighbouring province to assist Saskatchewan RCMP.

“We’re definitely in constant communication with our partners in Saskatchewan, and so the numbers we have sent may change depending on the needs out there,” Hrdlicka said.

“We are also sharing all of the information that we have with the other local police agencies here in Alberta — the chiefs of police — just trying to make sure that we all have the most current up to date information.”

This comes as an RCMP dangerous person alert remains in place for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

A reminder that the interprovincial Dangerous Person Alert for the two Saskatchewan stabbing suspects is still in effect for Alberta and Manitoba. #yeg #yyc pic.twitter.com/Jd9uDRB2SS

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) September 5, 2022

Hrdlicka says the alert, first issued Sunday, was primarily focused on spreading awareness about the suspects. Police do not have any information that suggests they have come to Alberta, however, it’s possible.

“We want Albertans to be aware, because they may have been travelling in a vehicle, so there is a possibility that they could at some point, or have, entered Alberta,” she said. “On that front, we are prepared. If we get information that they have entered Alberta, we are prepared to send out an update to that alert that was released yesterday.”

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney issued a statement on the mass stabbing in Saskatchewan.

“On behalf of all Albertans, I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured during yesterday’s horrific violence in Saskatchewan. I have told Premier Scott Moe that Alberta is willing to provide any assistance that might be needed in response to these events,” Kenney said.

“My heart also goes out to the people of the James Smith Cree Nation and to First Nations communities across Canada who feel the anger and sorrow of this tragedy in a deeper and far more personal way. Thank you to the law enforcement officers and first responders who answered the call of duty to treat victims and hopefully hunt down these attackers and bring them to justice.”

He says that flags at the Alberta Legislature and McDougall Centre will be lowered to half mast in “solidarity with the people of Saskatchewan.”

“The brutality and apparent randomness of these attacks have shocked the entire country. Albertans stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends in Saskatchewan in their grief,” Kenney said.

–With files from The Canadian Press