A nearly 14-hour emergency lockdown in Iqaluit prompted by reports of gunfire has concluded. Following the issuance of a citywide shelter-in-place alert early on Saturday, the RCMP later confirmed the conclusion of their operation around 4:30 p.m.
Residents have been given the all-clear to leave their homes and resume normal activities, with police remaining in the area for ongoing investigation. Prior to the cancellation of the alert, a handcuffed individual was seen being placed into a police vehicle, visibly agitated as he was driven away.
In a statement released earlier on Saturday, Nunavut RCMP responded to a call regarding firearm use on Tasilik Street just before 1 a.m. Upon arrival, additional shots were reportedly heard originating from the residence.
Approximately 25 minutes later, a shelter-in-place advisory was issued citywide, instructing residents to stay indoors, secure doors, and avoid windows. An eyewitness on Tasilik Street recounted hearing intense shouting around 11 p.m. the night before, followed by waking up to a police standoff unfolding outside.
A CBC News correspondent on-site observed around 40 police officers, some in tactical gear and others accompanied by police dogs. Drones were also utilized during the operation. Police were seen entering a residence just before 2:30 p.m., leading two individuals out, followed by three distinct loud sounds reverberating through Tasilik Street.
Throughout the afternoon, police used various methods to engage with an individual inside the home, including the deployment of a loudspeaker, throwing rocks at windows, offering doughnuts, and flying a drone over the premises. The public was advised to steer clear of the 2200s area, encompassing Tasilik Street, although children were observed playing nearby, and businesses like the Quick Stop on Apex Road remained open.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries stemming from the incident.
