Residents of Behchokǫ̀ can resume normal activities after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police lifted a shelter-in-place order on May 1, 2026. The order, which lasted approximately nine hours, was put in place following reports of shots fired in the community.
Police reported that no injuries occurred during the incident. Authorities have stated they believe the event was a targeted attack involving five to six individuals seen traveling on two snowmobiles and carrying long guns. Several individuals have been arrested as the investigation continues.
During the emergency, local schools, including Chief Jimmy Bruneau School and Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School, remained on lockdown for over eight hours. Officials confirmed that students stayed safe and supervised throughout the day, with food and snacks provided to them during the lockdown period.
To support the local detachment, police deployed specialized resources to the community, including the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, the Territorial Crime Reduction Unit, and a Remote Piloted Aircraft System unit. As part of their ongoing investigation, officers established a check stop on the community access road and contained several local residences.
Behchokǫ̀ Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe, who was traveling when the incident began, urged residents to remain cooperative with police efforts and to avoid sharing officer locations on social media. Police are continuing their investigation and are requesting that anyone with relevant video or photographic evidence submit it through the official RCMP evidence portal. Residents should expect an increased police presence in the community as the investigation proceeds.
