Multiple gunshots rang out at Edmonton’s City Hall on Tuesday morning and a Molotov cocktail was thrown inside leading to the immediate evacuation of the building.
Around 11:00 am the Edmonton Police Services posted on X that they were investigating a weapons complaint at city hall. The police confirmed that one person had been arrested and that roadways in the area had been closed. They asked residents to stay away.
Just over an hour later, the police provided an update on the situation.
“We can confirm shots were fired and a Molotov cocktail was thrown inside City Hall. No injuries have been reported at this time,” said the EPS in a post to X.
The EPS said that they would provide updates as the situation unfolded. They asked that the public refrain from sharing details on the locations and activities of the officers on scene to ensure officer and public safety.
This plea for privacy came after videos were circulating on X of city hall and the officers surrounding the building, along with footage of a man being arrested and thrown into the back of a police van.
During the incident, Edmonton’s mayor and city councillors were at a scheduled meeting of the Emergency Advisory Committee.
Loud gunshots can be heard during a video of the city council meeting, which led to the meeting being put to recess and city hall being evacuated only a few seconds later.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi also took to X, asking Edmontonians to avoid the area and monitor the police media channels for updates.
The EPS offered another update at 2:42 pm saying that the incident had concluded, and roadways were beginning to reopen. They said that there is currently no threat to the public, but that Edmonton City Hall would remain closed while police continue the investigation.
This story is developing, and more information will be added when it becomes available.
