The Edmonton Police Service is reeling after an “unthinkable and horrific tragedy,” said the city’s police chief of the incident that saw two officers shot and killed overnight.
On Thursday morning Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee addressed the media and hundreds of police officers to confirm that two of their own were killed overnight responding to a call.
“Today the Edmonton Police Service has been marked by a really unthinkable and horrific tragedy as two of our members have died in the line of duty,” McFee said during the press conference.
Const. Travis Jordan, 35, and Const. Brett Ryan, 30, were killed while responding to a domestic incident at an apartment building in Edmonton’s northeast community of Inglewood.
The young man who shot the officers is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wounds and a female complainant is in the hospital with serious injuries.
McFee said the officers responded to call around 12:47 a.m. Jordan and Ryan, who served the police for 8.5 and 5.5 years respectfully, were dispatched to an apartment complex near 114th Avenue and 132nd Street in Edmonton
As they were approaching the unit they were killed by the young man.
"At this time, all indications are that they did not have a chance to discharge their firearms," McFee said.
The two officers were rushed to the hospital by their own members, who worked to save their lives en route.
"Unfortunately they were both declared deceased at the hospital.,” McFee said.
“A female complainant related to the subject was also taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries where she remains in serious but stable condition.”
McFee said the police are continuing to investigate the incident and are only able to provide preliminary details at this time.
“There are multiple investigative lines we have to pursue in order to conclude this matter."
“We ask for your patience and understanding for our members in the multiple families impacted by today's incidents.”
McFee said the two worked side by side with the police every day in service to their communities and the police force is devastated with their loss.
"These people were doing their job. This is unthinkable, it's unimaginable, it's horrific, it's a tragedy but we will move on, because that's what we do,” McFee said.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the families of the young men and has raised $24,000 as of press time.
Outpouring of support
St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron offered offered her condolences after two members of the Edmonton Police Service were shot overnight in Edmonton's northwest.
"Grief, sadness, and anger fail to describe the emotions felt by all Albertans and we all feel powerless to help," Heron said.
"Thank you to all those who face such sacrifices for our safety; the names of these 2 officers will be remembered for the heroes they are."
Morinville-St. Albert MLA Dale Nally says he's "deeply saddened" after hearing the news.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of two Edmonton Police Service officers killed in the line of duty,” Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, said in a statement to The Gazette.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Const. Travis Jordan and Const. Brett Ryan.”
“Every day, police officers across Alberta put themselves in harms way to protect and serve our communities and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” Nally said.
“If you are struggling as a result of this tragedy mental health supports are available. The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is a 24-hour confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns and can be reached at 1-877-303-2642.”
St. Albert MLA Marie Renaud says she was "shocked" to hear the news and sends her condolences to friends, family, and colleagues.
“I was just shocked to see that this morning,” Renaud told The Gazette.
“As we await more information about what's happened in this tragedy, just my thoughts and my deepest condolences to their families and their friends and all of their colleagues and all the first responders all across Alberta,” she said.
“My deepest condolences and my deep thanks to everyone for their service.”
St. Albert-Edmonton MP Michael Cooper says he is "shocked and horrified" after learning two Edmonton Police Officers were shot and killed early this morning.
“It's horrible what happened,” Cooper told The Gazette when reached for comment. “It is a reminder that every day men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.”
“My thoughts are with the families of constable Ryan and Jordan and to the entire Edmonton Police Service,” he said.
“This is no doubt a time in which many people, family, friends, and those who knew (Const. Brett Ryan) and (Const. Travis Jordan) are grieving and in shock and we need to respect the families and all of those who are impacted during this time of grief.”
The St. Albert fire department is offering condolences to the two Edmonton Police officers' loved ones.
"We send out deepest condolences to the families and members of the Edmonton Police Service who lost two of their own in the line of duty today," a public post on their social media read.
"These two fallen officers gave their lives to protect the city they serve. Thank you for your service."
Across Canada and Alberta
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has offered his condolences to the slain Edmonton officers.
"Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe. The news that two Edmonton Police officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues – we’re here for you," Trudeau tweeted on Thursday.
Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith also offered condolences to the friends and family of the slain officers.
"Today, the province mourns the loss of two police officers killed in the line of duty. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Const. Travis Jordan and Const. Brett Ryan," Smith said in a joint written statement with Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
“Every day, police officers across Alberta put on their uniforms to step up to protect and serve our communities. The sudden and tragic deaths of these two Edmonton Police Service officers remind us again of the dangers police officers constantly face to ensure the safety of Albertans."
Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley also issued a statement on the incident.
"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific shootings that took place this morning," she tweeted.
"As we await information, our thoughts are with all who have been touched by this awful tragedy, including the families, loved ones and colleagues of two fallen Edmonton police officers."
Michael Gendron, a spokesperson for the Canadian Police Association, said on social media that members are heartbroken to learn of the news.
"Sending our most sincere condolences, and our prayers to all who are mourning the loss of friends and colleagues today, and especially to their families at this tragic time," Gendron wrote on social media.
Edmonton police Staff Sgt. Mike Elliott and former president of the Edmonton Police Association, said he is devastated by the news.
"No words can describe what our members [and] their families are feeling at this moment. Our entire service and community are mourning,” Elliott wrote in a post on social media.
-With files from Jack Farrell
