RICHMOND, B.C. - Thousands of first responders, including from Washington state and as far away as Ontario, have gathered in Richmond, B.C., for today's funeral of RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang.
The RCMP hold a regimental funeral for a Burnaby RCMP officer killed in the line of duty. https://t.co/QtW0BatSvy
— CBC British Columbia (@cbcnewsbc) November 2, 2022
There is no public area to leave flowers for Cst. Shaelyn Yang at the Richmond Oval. Please show your support #WearRedWednesday and tag @BCRCMP on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
— BCRCMP (@BCRCMP) November 2, 2022
This morning, the RCMP will pay its respects to Cst. Shaelyn Yang, who was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 18 and who made the ultimate sacrifice. #RCMPNeverForgets pic.twitter.com/RrWNWBMFOs
— BCRCMP (@BCRCMP) November 2, 2022
RCMP and uniformed first responders are lining up for the ceremonial procession on Russ Baker Way and over Gilbert Road Bridge, right on River Road. pic.twitter.com/k1LDWaNlhI
— BCRCMP (@BCRCMP) November 2, 2022
The 31-year-old mental health and homeless outreach officer was stabbed to death two weeks ago while she and a City of Burnaby employee attempted to issue an eviction notice to a man who had been living in a tent at a local park.
Jongwon Ham is accused of first-degree murder in Yang's death and is expected to return to a Vancouver court again today for remand.
The RCMP say as many as 2,000 officers from B.C. and across Canada are joined by members of the Canada Border Services Agency, the Armed Forces, sheriffs, firefighters and B.C. Ambulance Service in a funeral procession, while another 1,500 members are in attendance.
Yang, who lived in Richmond, is being given a regimental, or military-style, funeral in accordance with RCMP protocols for an officer who dies in the line of duty, which may include a riderless horse, honorary pallbearers and a gun carriage or hearse during the procession.
Yang's family said in an earlier statement that they are "going through immense grief" but are grateful for the condolences and support they have received, issuing thanks to the RCMP for making the arrangements to formally honour her.
Video courtesy of @CBC British Columbia via Twitter.
