Mounties in N.W.T. search for snowmobilers with guns after shots fired in Behchoko

RCMP logo shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

BEHCHOKǪ̀ — Mounties in the Northwest Territories were looking for up to six people riding around on two snowmobiles with long guns after a shooting Friday.

RCMP said there were no reports of injuries after shots were fired in Behchoko, a community of about 2,000 people northwest of Yellowknife.

The attack appears to have been targeted, RCMP said, and additional officers had been deployed to the community.

“An increased police presence will be visible,” RCMP said in a news release.

“Residents of the community are asked to exercise caution and to shelter in place, away from windows and doors until further notice.”

Behchoko Chief Bertha Rabesca-Zoe told residents to refrain from posting videos or pictures of RCMP in the community.

“Let them do their job. Don’t give away their location,” Rabesca-Zoe said in a Facebook post.

“Prayers to all of you and that the suspects will be apprehended soon.”

Chief Jimmy Bruneau School said it was under lockdown, as well as Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School.

“All exterior doors of the school are completely secured and locked,” it said on Facebook.

“Students and staff remain safely inside the building out of an abundance of caution, and absolutely no one is permitted to enter or leave until authorities give the official all clear.”

The post said no students were dismissed to go home for lunch and food would be provided there.

“All students are safe inside with our staff,” the school said.

“We understand this can be a stressful situation, but please be assured that your children are safe and we are strictly following our emergency protocols.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2026.

The Canadian Press