A shooting that left a woman dead and a man seriously injured at a mall in Prince Rupert, BC, is being described by police as an “isolated incident.” Officers who arrived on the scene at Ocean Center Mall around 8:30 a.m. “they quickly determined this was not an active shooter,” according to a statement from local Mounties. “The suspect, a 44-year-old man, is believed to have shot the victim, a 52-year-old woman, before attempting to kill herself. The two individuals were known to each other,” said Prince Rupert RCMP. in a press release. “The woman was pronounced dead and the man was transported to a local hospital.” Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to public safety, but that the mall will remain closed while their investigation is underway. A nearby gas station attendant described hearing a commotion, “but I wasn’t really sure what it was.” Prince Rupert’s mayor said the shooting was “truly tragic” and support is available for anyone in the small community who may need it. Mayor Herb Pond said his office, which is near the scene, was locked down for about 90 minutes with people told not to leave. “When you realize it’s a really tragic incident, it’s overwhelming. A lot of our staff know at least some of the people involved. There’s some overlap. So we’re offering counseling to our people,” he said. Pond encouraged residents who feel affected by the incident to seek resources. “So make sure you reach out and get the help you need. (There’s) nothing wrong with getting help,” he said. Ocean Center Mall is described as an office building, with a restaurant, bank, daycare and alternative high school. Erin Collins, a spokeswoman for the Northern Health Authority, said the Prince Rupert Health Unit is located at the mall, but the incident did not occur on the premises. He said offices have been closed until further notice and customers with appointments have been notified. Prime Minister David Abbey opened his housing press conference on Monday by expressing his concern about the incident. “I understand there is a very serious incident involving the police in Prince Rupert this morning which sounds incredibly worrying and our thoughts and certainly our hearts go out to everyone affected by this incident this morning,” he said. Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach said he was “shocked and saddened” by the news. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of those injured, local first responders and all those affected,” he tweeted. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 21, 2022. With files from CTV News Vancouver’s St. John Alexander and Lisa Steacy
