RCMP confirm a man was shot twice and a woman was shot once near the entrance to the Williams Lake Stampede grandstand Sunday afternoon (July 3). Williams Lake Tribune reporter Monica Lamb-Yorski was on the scene covering the rodeo at the time and said a child ran into the stands and yelled “there’s a shooter with a gun.” Within seconds, the rodeo announcer told the crowd to evacuate safely inside and remain calm. RCMP Staff Sgt. Del Byron said the two victims are being treated by EHS and a male suspect has been arrested. Police are concerned there may be a second shooter and are treating the situation as such while the investigation continues. They are asking people to stay away from the area. Witnesses to the shooting, which occurred near the end of the final rodeo performance behind the stands where several vendors are located, are being asked to go to the RCMP detachment. Other witnesses confirm seeing the victims, with many witnesses in the crowd crying. The shooting happened around 3:40 p.m. Sunday. After the shooting, police with guns were stationed over the Stampede Grounds and a massive windstorm and storm swept through the area. This weekend was the first Williams Lake Stampede since 2019 due to the pandemic, and the association had enjoyed three days of sellout or near sellout crowds enjoying the 94th annual Williams Lake Stampede pro rodeo performances from Thursday, June 30 through Saturday. July 2. Although not a professional rodeo, Sunday’s show was another near sellout crowd as families participated in the Wild Cowgirl Race finals, Wild Horse Race finals and a BRC Bull Riding event. Children are said to have been among the witnesses to the shooting. Have a comment on this story? email: [email protected] Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Williams Lake
