After nearly 14 hours, the emergency alert in Iqaluit triggered by reports of gunshots has come to an end. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) initially issued a citywide shelter-in-place alert early Saturday morning but updated it just past 4:30 p.m. to announce the conclusion of their operation.
According to the RCMP, residents are now allowed to leave their homes and resume normal activities, although police presence will continue in the area for investigative purposes. Prior to the alert being lifted, a man in handcuffs was seen being placed into a police vehicle, visibly agitated.
The incident began when the RCMP received a report about a firearm being used on Tasilik Street shortly before 1 a.m. Upon their arrival, additional shots were reportedly fired from the residence. Subsequently, a shelter-in-place alert was issued citywide around 25 minutes later, instructing residents to remain indoors, secure doors, and avoid windows.
A resident of Tasilik Street, who chose to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, described hearing loud yelling around 11 p.m. the previous night, followed by a police standoff upon waking up. Eyewitnesses observed approximately 40 police officers, some in tactical gear and accompanied by police dogs, at the scene. Drones were also utilized during the operation.
Police entered the residence before 2:30 p.m. and escorted two individuals out, leading to three loud noises echoing through Tasilik Street. Earlier attempts to communicate with a person inside the house involved the use of a loudspeaker, throwing rocks at windows, offering food, and deploying a drone for surveillance.
Throughout the day, the public was advised to steer clear of the 2200s area, encompassing Tasilik Street. Despite the ongoing situation, children were observed playing nearby, and local businesses, such as the Quick Stop on Apex Road, remained open. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries stemming from the incident.