A peaceful afternoon at Burnaby's bustling Metrotown mall turned to chaos and tragedy on Tuesday when a shooting claimed one man's life, sending shoppers scrambling for safety and triggering a massive police response.
Mall Lockdown and Police Response
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots near the mall's central area around 2:30 PM, immediately sparking panic among afternoon shoppers. RCMP officers swarmed the scene within minutes, cordoning off the area and placing the entire shopping complex on lockdown as they searched for suspects.
"The mall was placed in lockdown while police ensured there was no ongoing risk to the public," stated Burnaby RCMP in their initial release. "This appears to be a targeted incident, and not a random attack on members of the public."
Victim Pronounced Dead at Scene
Emergency medical services attempted life-saving measures on the male victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not released the victim's identity pending notification of next of kin.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken charge of the case, a standard procedure for fatal shootings in the Lower Mainland. Forensic teams remained on scene for hours, collecting evidence and documenting the crime scene.
Witness Accounts and Community Impact
Shoppers and mall employees described moments of confusion and fear as the situation unfolded. Several stores immediately locked their doors and directed customers to secure locations within their premises.
"We heard what sounded like firecrackers, then people started running and screaming," one witness recounted. "Store staff quickly ushered us into back rooms and we stayed there until police gave the all-clear."
The shooting marks another incident of gun violence in the Metro Vancouver area, raising concerns about public safety in what should be secure community spaces. Metrotown is one of British Columbia's largest shopping destinations, typically drawing thousands of daily visitors.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are reviewing security footage and interviewing numerous witnesses as they work to identify suspects and establish a motive. The investigation continues as authorities seek to piece together the events leading to this fatal confrontation.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
