UPDATE: 4:15 p.m.

RCMP has released more details on the Nov. 21 incident at Ocean Centre Mall involving a shooting in which one person died.

The female victim aged 52 and the suspected shooter aged 44, were known to each other, RCMP stated. The alleged male shooter is in hospital with critical injuries after attempting to take his own life. A female victim died at the scene.

“It is still in the early stage of the investigation and therefore, limited details can be released at this time, but I would like to call for any potential witnesses that have not been identified by police yet to come forward and provide a statement,” Const. Gabriel Gravel, media relations officer with the Prince Rupert detachment stated in a media release.

“Additionally, anyone with video surveillance, dashcam footage or other video recordings from this morning between 6 a.m and 9 a.m around the Ocean Centre Mall is asked to contact the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136.”

The Prince Rupert RCMP wants to reassure the public that they are safe as there is no active threat at this time but asks that people avoid the Ocean Centre Mall area while police are continuing their investigation. The facilities are closed to the public until further notice.

RCMP has also confirmed the incident was not related to any recent occurrences at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital when threats were made and followed by additional security being added.

Northern Health Authority has issued comments regarding this morning’s incident at Ocean Centre Mall.

Northern Health Communications Manager, Eryn Collins, confirmed to The Northern View some social media posts and comments about today’s incident were not accurate. She confirmed the occurrence did not involve any Northern Health staff at any of their offices.

“The tragic incident at Ocean Centre Mall did NOT occur inside Northern Health space within the building. All staff are safe, though understandably shaken by this morning’s events – and the Health Unit is closed temporarily and until further notice, ” Collins stated. “Staff will be reaching out to anyone who had a booked appointment for services provided there, in order to reschedule.”

“Our thoughts are with the community, and of course, with NH staff who were in the vicinity or who have been otherwise impacted by the situation. We are putting supports in place for any staff and physicians who need them,” Collins said.

UPDATE: 1:10 p.m.

Witness reports suggest an incident at the Ocean Centre Mall, which left one person dead and another in critical condition, may have been a shooting.

A witness told Black Press Media that they heard “two loud bangs” at 8:30 a.m. Monday (Nov. 21), shortly after walking into the building, which houses government organizations and business firms.

They rushed to the first-floor common area where they saw two people bleeding on the ground. According to the witness, emergency services had already been called.

“This was the first thing I saw this morning. I didn’t expect to see this in Prince Rupert. It’s unbelievable,” they said. “Rupert is such a peaceful place. Things like this don’t happen in Prince Rupert.”Police instructed all in the building not to record video or to take photographs and to remain in their offices.

Prince Rupert RCMP have confirmed there was an incident at the centre this morning, however they have not confirmed any motive, identified those involved, nor if the incident was a shooting or another kind of incident

St. Paul’s Lutheran church has announced it will open its doors from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for those who wish to pray and have quiet meditation. Anyone of any faith or not faith is welcome and Pastor Diana Edis will be on site.

UPDATE: 10:45 a.m.

One person is dead and another critically injured after a serious incident at Ocean Centre Mall.

Prince Rupert RCMP said they were called to the area shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Monday (Nov. 21).

When arrived, the two people were found.

“The investigation is unfolding and we are asking people to avoid the Ocean Centre Mall as police work to gather evidence,” police said in a statement shortly after 10:30 a.m.

The mall remains closed for the day. Prince Rupert RCMP stress there is no threat to the public’s safety.

In an unrelated news conference in Victoria, Premier David Eby started a housing announcement sending his thoughts to the people in Prince Rupert.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Prince Rupert RCMP confirms there has been an incident at the Ocean Side Mall in Prince Rupert downtown core just before 9 a.m on Nov. 21.

Const. Brody Hemrich, media relations officer for the detachment said there is no threat to the public.

Second Street is cordoned off and emergency services are on the scene.

More to come …

Prince Rupert RCMP