Police say they were called to the Williams Lake Stampede grounds around 3:30 p.m
“Two people suffering from unspecified injuries have been transported to a local hospital and a suspect is in custody. Preliminary information indicates the incident was targeted and there is no other risk to the public,” Mounties said in a statement.
“The investigation is in its early stages and no further information is available at this time.”
According to a Facebook update from riot chairman Court Smith, the thousands of attendees were told to leave by a loudspeaker announcement during the bull riding event.
“There were no other injuries. Our public address officer did a fantastic job getting people out of the facility,” he said in a Facebook video, noting the investigation is ongoing and thanking the RCMP for their swift response.
This photo, submitted by Kevin Li, shows RCMP on the scene after a shooting at the Williams Lake Stampede on July 3, 2022. 
This weekend marked the return of the event after two years of cancellations related to COVID-19.
Laureen Carruthers was there at the time, enjoying the end of what she described as a “perfect rodeo weekend” when the shooting occurred.  At the time he was in the ring taking pictures for the club.
“All of a sudden there was some commotion. We didn’t know what was going on. I saw the clown jump over the fence and go into the stands,” he tells CTV News.
“At that point I thought it was part of the clown show.”
This photo taken by Laureen Carruthers shows rodeo clown Jayson Charters, of Merritt, performing at the 2022 Williams Lake Stampede. 
When he heard instructions to evacuate he realized that was not happening at all.  But he said the scene was not chaotic, crediting the announcer for setting the tone by speaking calmly and providing clear instructions.
“There were people helping, people in wheelchairs being carried up the steps and out through the actual rodeo arena and through the gates where the contestants are,” he recalled.
“Everyone was trying really hard to help those around them. There was no panic at all. It was handled incredibly well.”
Although she was initially worried about the mother and her son in the stands, she has since learned that they both got out safely.
He says the mood over the weekend was upbeat, with a sold-out crowd enjoying the return of a beloved annual tradition.
“It was just one of the best rodeos I’ve ever been to,” he said, adding that he’s lived in Williams Lake for 53 years and always looks forward to the way the town comes alive the weekend of the event.
“It’s just a horribly, horribly sad end to an absolutely perfect weekend.”
RCMP are asking anyone with footage or information to contact investigators by calling 250-392-6211.