Both suspects were shot and killed as police responded to the robbery and six police officers were injured. Leader Const. Dean Duthie says two police officers were seriously injured and underwent surgery late Tuesday. A third police officer also remains in hospital. Duthie says Greater Victoria’s emergency team was not far from Bank of Montreal when the armed robbery was reported and was on time to deal with the suspects. Social media videos show dozens of shootings, and police have set up a website to collect videos taken by witnesses. The Bureau of Investigation, which investigates all cases of injury or death by police officers in BC, has also sent a team to the scene and is asking anyone with information to speak to its members. Federal Public Security Minister Marco Medicino noted the “enormous sacrifice” made by officers during the bank robbery, saying his thoughts were with the community and officials. Medicino was speaking in Toronto, where he made a statement on funding to fight gun violence and gangs. He said he had contacted BC Deputy Prime Minister Mike Farnworth and offered his support. “It’s another reminder that gun violence affects our communities every day.” The mayors of Esquimalt, Saanich and Victoria expressed their support for the “courage and selfless service” of those officers who ran into danger. “To the injured police officers and their families, our thoughts are with you and we send love as you move forward in the coming days, weeks and months,” said Mayors Barb Desjardins, Fred Haynes and Lisa Helps. . “We are humbled by your service and thank you very much for your courage as you took the risk to keep our communities safe.” This Canadian Press report was first published on June 29, 2022.
