The knife attacks that decimated the three communities that make up the James Smith Cree Nation of Saskatchewan may be drug-related, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations leader Bobby Cameron has suggested.
• Read also: Saskatchewan: Knife attacks leave 10 dead and 15 injured
• Read also: “Horrible and heartbreaking attacks,” says Justin Trudeau
On Sunday, police said they were investigating the deaths of 10 people, while 15 others were injured in stabbings at 13 different locations early Sunday morning. Two suspects, Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson, were still at large 24 hours later.
The Federation sent its condolences to the Cree Nation of James Smith “following the nameless violence which claimed the lives of innocent people”.
“This is the destruction we face when illegal drugs invade our communities, and we demand that all authorities listen to chiefs, councils and their members to create safer communities for our people,” Bobby said. Cameron by press release.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the victims were likely chosen at random.
Run
Everything suggests that the two main suspects fled to the south of the province aboard a black Nissan Rogue registered “119 MPI”, which was seen in Regina shortly before noon.
The RCMP maintained a public alert Monday morning in the three Prairie provinces, asking citizens to stay safe at home and to remain cautious of strangers trying to return home. She also asks not to approach the two suspects or even not to pick up strangers hitchhiking.
The federal police have planned to take stock in the morning of the hunt for the fugitives.
Damien Sanderson is 1.73m (5ft 7in) tall and weighs 70kg (155lbs). He has black hair and brown eyes. Myles Sanderson is 6ft 1in (1.85m) tall and weighs 200lbs (91kg). He also has black hair and brown eyes.
“Horrible and heartbreaking” attacks
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe offered his condolences to the loved ones of the victims, on Twitter, and thanked the authorities for their work.
“There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence. All of Saskatchewan mourns with the victims and their families,” Moe said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also reacted early Sunday evening, calling the attacks “horrifying and heartbreaking.”
“My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured,” he said.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and urge everyone to follow updates from local authorities. Thank you to all the courageous first responders for their efforts on the ground,” added M Trudeau.
The Premier of Quebec also offered his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. “What a terrible tragedy. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. My thoughts are also with all the injured,” said François Legault.