Royal Bank of Canada branches across Calgary have resumed normal operations after a significant security incident on Thursday forced a temporary city-wide closure. The disruption occurred when bank staff reported receiving threatening communications, prompting immediate action from law enforcement and financial institution officials.
Police Respond to Threatening Communications
At approximately 2:40 p.m. on Thursday, Calgary Police Service (CPS) received a notification from RBC employees concerning a man who was uttering threats toward them. The nature of these threats, which were conveyed over the telephone, raised serious safety concerns that necessitated a coordinated response. In a statement released by CPS, authorities confirmed the threats were made via phone, leading to the decision to close all RBC locations in Calgary as a precautionary measure.
Investigation Leads to Suspect Apprehension
Following the initial report, police launched a thorough investigation into the incident. This inquiry successfully identified and located a suspect, who was subsequently taken into custody. Charges are currently pending as the investigation continues to unfold. The swift police action helped mitigate potential risks and allowed for the eventual reopening of the bank branches after a two-hour closure period.
Bank Officials Emphasize Safety Protocols
Shela Shapiro, RBC's regional director of communications, addressed the situation by stating that the Calgary branches were closed "out of an abundance of caution" after the bank became aware of a "safety concern." In her official statement, Shapiro emphasized, "The safety of our team and clients is our top priority." This response underscores the bank's commitment to maintaining secure environments for both employees and customers, even in the face of unexpected threats.
Community Impact and Operational Resumption
The temporary closure affected multiple RBC locations throughout Calgary, disrupting normal banking activities for clients. However, the branches have since reopened, with operations returning to standard procedures. This incident highlights the importance of robust security measures in financial institutions and the critical role of collaboration between corporate entities and law enforcement in addressing safety threats promptly and effectively.
