Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of two slain police constables.
On Thursday morning, two Edmonton police officers were killed while responding to a call in the city’s northwest.
Const. Travis Jordan, 35, was an 8.5-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), while Const. Brett Ryan, 30, was with the EPS for 5.5 years.
“Today, the province mourns the loss of two police officers killed in the line of duty,” Smith said in a statement.
“Every day, police officers across Alberta put on their uniforms to step up to protect and serve our communities. The sudden and tragic deaths of these two Edmonton Police Service officers remind us again of the dangers police officers constantly face to ensure the safety of Albertans.”
At a press conference Thursday morning, EPS Chief Dale McFee asked for patience and understanding for the members and “multiple families” mourning the constables’ deaths.
“Please give space to our officers who are mourning their colleague,” he said.
McFee said the officers responded to a call of a family dispute at 12:47 a.m.
He said the officers were killed when they entered the apartment building, and there was evidence that neither officer had the chance to fire their weapon in defence.
The young male assailant is also dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A family member of his was also wounded and is in hospital.
McFee also said police don’t believe there is any danger to the public.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said “we’re all devastated to receive the news (the constables) were murdered in the line of duty early this morning.”
Smith said those coping with the tragedy and struggling with mental health can contact the Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.
The last Edmonton city police officer killed in the line of duty was Const. Daniel Woodall in June 2015.
