Canadian authorities are searching for two «armed and dangerous» men who are suspects in a mass stabbing on Sunday, 4 September, that left ten dead and 15 injured in an Indigenous community and the surrounding area in Saskatchewan, informs news network CNN.
Police received the first report of a stabbing in the James Smith Cree Nation at 5:40 a.m. (local time), and within minutes several more calls came in reporting other stabbings throughout the community, police said.
Within hours, the situation developed into a mass stabbing event with at least 25 victims, 10 of whom died, police said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is «shocked and devastated» by the violent attacks.
«As Canadians, we mourn with everyone affected by this tragic violence, and with the people of Saskatchewan. We also wish a full and quick recovery to those injured,» Trudeau said in a statement Sunday evening.
Trudeau described the attack as horrific and heart–breaking on his Twitter account.
The attacks in Saskatchewan today are horrific and heartbreaking. I’m thinking of those who have lost a loved one and of those who were injured.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 4, 2022
Authorities have identified 13 separate scenes where the attacks took place. There may be additional victims who were injured and went to the hospital on their own, police said, urging possible victims to contact law enforcement.
Less than three hours after the first attack was reported, police identified Damian Sanderson and Myles Sanderson as suspects in the stabbing spree.
The suspects, identified by police as Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson, are believed to be traveling in a black Nissan Rogue, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said, noting it’s unclear whether the pair may have changed vehicles.
Leaders of the James Smith Cree Nation declared a state of emergency Sunday in response to «numerous murders and assaults» on members of the community, according to a news release. At least one attack also occurred in the neighbouring community of Weldon, police said.
Some victims appear to have been targeted, while others are believed to have been attacked randomly, police said.
Authorities are urging residents in the area to be vigilant and take precautions, including sheltering in place in some communities, as the suspects are still at large. The police issued a civil emergency.