BURNABY, B.C. - An RCMP officer in Burnaby, B.C., has been stabbed to death in what Solicitor General Mike Farnworth calls a terrible tragedy.
Farnworth said Tuesday the female officer "sacrificed her life in the course of duty," but he had no other details about her death.
Today’s event that unfolded in Burnaby is awful and tragic, the worst news any one wants to happen.
— Mike Farnworth (@mikefarnworthbc) October 18, 2022
Our hearts go out to the Burnaby RCMP officers, family, friends and fellow police officers.
Every day our police officers respond to serve every day, no matter how demanding or
Burnaby RCMP issued a Twitter post asking commuters to avoid Canada Way due to the 'unfolding incident'.
Please avoid Canada Way between Boundary Road and Willingdon Avenue due to an unfolding incident.
— Burnaby RCMP (@BurnabyRCMP) October 18, 2022
There does not appear to be any ongoing risk to the public.
More information will be released when available. pic.twitter.com/y8zjkCVT6Z
Several media reports say the officer was killed while assisting a bylaw officer at a homeless camp site.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has confirmed that Burnaby RCMP were dispatched to a complaint near the intersection of Canada Way and Curle Avenue. While there, the attending officer became engaged in an altercation with a man which resulted in the officer being stabbed and the man being shot.
Emergency Health Services transported both to hospital, but the officer died due to her injuries. The suspect was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A visibly shaken Farnworth said it is "absolutely a tragic and horrific situation."
NEW - Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the death of a Burnaby RCMP officer is an ‘awful, terrible tragedy’ and the province sends condolence to the officer’s family and the RCMP family. #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/NBqVWmslg8
— Richard Zussman (@richardzussman) October 18, 2022
He expressed sincere condolences to all police officers in B.C. on behalf of members of the legislature.
"Every day we ask thousands of men and women in uniform in this province to go out and do their duty, keeping our communities safe, keeping the public safe, knowing full well it's an extremely dangerous job."
Former RCMP officer and MLA for South Surrey-White Rock shared her shock and grief over the incident.
My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all members of the @BurnabyRCMP who have lost a loved one, and fellow officer in the line of duty to our province. Thank you for your service. #bcpoli
— Elenore Sturko (@elenoresturko) October 18, 2022
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said in a statement that they are heartbroken to hear of the death of the officer.
We are devastated to hear of the death of a Burnaby RCMP member today in the line of duty.
— Burnaby Mayor's Office (@MayorofBurnaby) October 18, 2022
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, fellow RCMP members and civilian staff during this terrible time.
The Metro Vancouver Transit Police Department tweeted "outrage builds as our hearts break."
"Our officers worked closely with her and she will be deeply missed," the statement said.
Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said he was devastated by the news of the loss of the officer in the line of duty.
I’m devastated to hear of the loss of an RCMP member while on duty in Burnaby, British Columbia.
— Marco Mendicino (@marcomendicino) October 18, 2022
At this most difficult time, my heart is with the fallen officer’s family, friends and the entirety of the @BurnabyRCMP detachment.
#HeroesInLife
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his condolences over the senseless death of the officer.
I’m incredibly saddened to hear about the killing of a @BurnabyRCMP officer. My thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer – I am keeping you in my thoughts during this terrible time. https://t.co/E2xdbYOvI1
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 18, 2022
Police departments from Vancouver to Ottawa also expressed their sadness at the loss on social media.
Sending deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our fallen @BurnabyRCMP sister.
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) October 18, 2022
#NeverForget @npffpn https://t.co/3YjQiGwtQt
We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of a @BurnabyRCMP officer today.
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) October 18, 2022
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and RCMP members.
You are in our thoughts.#heroesinlife
Mike Farnworth's video courtesy of Richard Zussman via Twitter (Global BC)
