West Edmonton Mall Locked Down for Second Time in a Week After Weapons Complaints: Police

Police investigate the scene of a multiple shooting at West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alta., on Aug. 21, 2023. Police say three people were seriously injured. The Canadian Press/Jason Franson

The West Edmonton Mall was locked down in two separate incidents after police said a gun was fired inside the mall and a weapon was spotted.

Edmonton Police Service said officers were called out to the mall just before 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 after someone reported seeing a weapon at the mall.

“It was reported to police that two males were walking near the Bourbon Street area of the mall when one of the males discharged what appeared to be a firearm at the other,” police said in a Jan. 29 post on X.

The mall was placed on lockdown as police investigated and was later lifted after police said there was no further danger to the public.

No injuries were reported and police said they are continuing to investigate.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information has been asked to contact police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.

The incident comes two days after Edmonton police said they locked down the mall following reports that a weapon was spotted by shoppers.

Police responded to the complaint at the West Edmonton Mall after mall security said it followed a suspect who appeared to have a handgun.

Police arrested a 15-year-old and determined the gun was a toy designed to look like a real handgun.

“This was a potentially very dangerous situation,” police said in a Jan. 27 post on X.

The post said that police cannot tell if a gun is real or fake as imitation guns can be made to look “extremely realistic.”

“At first glance, and even up close, they can be indistinguishable from real firearms,” Edmonton police said.

Police said because of the risk to the public and officers, “police treat all firearm complaints as real.”

They warn that officers will respond quickly, use “appropriate resources, tactics, and levels of force.”

“These encounters can become deadly, even when the gun is not real. If it looks like a gun, it will be treated like a gun.”

Police recommended that people avoid playing with imitation guns in public places such as malls, parks, or schools, and to never point an imitation gun at another person.

They ask adults to “set clear rules for children” so they understand the risks.

Police have also advised anyone who is approached by an officer while carrying an imitation gun to put it down immediately and follow instructions.

Edmonton police were called out to two similar incidents in 2023, including a lockdown on Dec. 2, 2023, after reports that a man was seen with a gun at the West Edmonton mall.

The lockdown was lifted once officers found the weapons and individuals involved. Police said no shots were fired and one person was charged.

Police responded to reports of multiple gunshots at the mall in August 2023. The city’s flagship mall was placed on lockdown and police said three people were injured in the incident. Edmonton police called the incident a targeted shooting.