Five people have been arrested following a targeted shooting incident in Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories, that resulted in a nine-hour shelter-in-place order on May 1, 2026. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that no injuries occurred during the event, which involved multiple people on snowmobiles armed with long guns.
The incident prompted a community-wide safety order that lasted until 8:30 p.m. During this time, the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School and Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School were placed under lockdown. School staff remained with students throughout the day to provide food and support until the order was lifted and bus services resumed.
Following a large-scale operation involving specialized police units, authorities identified and charged five individuals with 22 offences, including discharging a firearm, assault with a weapon, robbery, and extortion. The accused are Steven Lafferty, Jay Ayah, Keegan Mackenzie, and Tyler Sage of Behchokǫ̀, along with Daniel Wedawin of Wekweètı̀. All five individuals have been remanded into custody following their bail hearings.
Behchokǫ̀ Chief Bertha Rabesca-Zoe requested that residents stay inside during the incident and avoid sharing images or video of police activity on social media to ensure the safety of responding officers. Although the shelter-in-place order is no longer in effect, police continue to maintain an increased presence in the community as the investigation proceeds.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are asking anyone with relevant information, photos, or security footage to contact the local detachment at 867-392-1111 or to call 911 for emergencies.
