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At least 10 people are dead and 15 more are hospitalized following a stabbing spree across 13 locations in Saskatchewan, according to police.
The Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have released the identity of two suspects, Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson. The relation of the two men is currently unknown. The two are believed to be driving a black Nissan Rogue with the Saskatchewan license plate 119 MPI, according to police. Damien Sanderson is said to be 5'7" and 155 pounds, while Myles Sanderson is said to be 6'1" and 240 pounds.
As the two men are believed to be on the move, the dangerous person alert has been expanded to the neighboring provinces Manitoba and Alberta, and the two may be driving towards Regina, though police also warn the suspects may have changed their vehicle or direction.
Victims were found across 13 different locations throughout the James Smith Cree Nation—located north of Melfort, Saskatchewan—and the nearby village Weldon. Though 25 victims have been currently found, the RCMP says that it is "dedicating maximum resources" to searching for more potential victims.
"There may be additional injured victims who transported themselves to various hospitals," Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, said, as reported by the CBC. She added that anyone who has taken themselves to the hospital as part of the stabbing spree should speak with police, according to the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
No information about the victims is available at this time.
"At this stage in our investigation, we believe some victims have been targeted by the suspect and others have been attacked randomly," Blackmore said.
The James Smith Cree Nation, as well as the Chakastaypasin Band and Peter Chapman Band of the Cree Nation declared a state of emergency at noon local time, according to the CBC. The state of emergency is set to expire on 5 p.m. September 30.
People in Regina are being urged to consider sheltering in place, and to not approach suspicious persons or hitchhikers, according to the CBC. Citizens are also being urged not to share the locations of police online, in case the suspects see.
In addition, though the Canadian Football League's Labour Day Classic game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is still expected to happen in Regina Sunday evening, there will be extra security. A statement from the Roughriders said that the team was in regular contact with police.
Police checkpoints have also been set up throughout Regina, according to the StarPhoenix.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe shared his condolences on Twitter.
"I want to offer my deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of Saskatchewan to all of the family and friends of the victims of today's horrific attacks. I also want to thank the RCMP and other police services for the efforts they are making to apprehend the attackers and protect the public, and thank all the first responders and health care professionals who are treating numerous victims," Moe wrote.
"There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence," he continued. "All of Saskatchewan grieves with the victims and their families."
Newsweek reached out to the Saskatchewan RCMP for comment.
About the writer
Matt Keeley is a Newsweek editor based in Seattle. His focus is reporting on trends and internet culture. He has ... Read more