RCMP releases more details on “police-involved” shooting as SiRT investigates
New Brunswick Premier Holt started her weekly social-media video on Jan. 19 by sending condolences to the family and friends of Bronson Paul, who was shot dead on Neqotkuk First Nation the day before.
“We are saddened and angered by the death of Bronson Paul last night,” said Holt. “And our hearts are with his children, his partner, his family, and the entire community of Neqotkuk, as they grieve this tragic situation.”
Holt went on to say that the provincial government has offered Neqotkuk Chief Ross Perley its full support, adding that the province would do its part in ensuring “the investigation proceeds in a transparent, timely, and appropriate manner to provide the answers the family and the community needs.”
More details about the shooting were outlined in a statement issued on social media by the RCMP just before 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19.
Police were called to a domestic dispute at a residence on Main Street in Neqotkuk at approximately 5:06 p.m. Sunday evening, Jan. 18.
“As the situation quickly evolved, a man armed with an edged weapon advanced towards members,” reads the media release. “A Conducted Energy Weapon (taser) was deployed ineffectively, and a member discharged their firearm at the man. First aid was immediately administered at the scene, and the man was taken to hospital, where he later died.”
Immediately after the shooting, the New Brunswick RCMP requested the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) to investigate.
“The New Brunswick RCMP is committed to being accountable and transparent to the communities it serves and has referred the incident to SiRT for an independent investigation,” the RCMP said in its release.
In a news release following the shooting, Chief Ross Perley announced that his council was immediately closing the RCMP detachment on the reserve.
“Currently, we are still determining the circumstances of what unfolded,” wrote Perley in the release. “We know that there was a call to 9-1-1. There was no request for assistance from the police to our tribal security members, council or outreach team. This has typically helped de-escalate these situations.”
Chief Perley said his council is unsure why lethal force was used in this case, but noted that the victim is “another Indigenous (person) who was killed in the hands of the police,” pointing to the previous deaths of Rodney Levi, Chantel Moore, and Steven (Iggy) Dedam.
The release stated that community members can still call 9-1-1 for emergencies, but noted that any police presence will require a Kinap security escort.
“Chief and Council will push for transparency in this process and proper protocol in working with Indigenous communities,” the release noted.
Perley described the victim, Bronson Paul, as a “son, father, brother, partner, nephew, and so much more.”
He extended his and his council’s deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and friends.
“We understand the impact that this has on Negotkuk, and we want to offer our support to all of those in need.”
The Neqotkuk Band Council has activated its Wampum CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) protocol and has a sacred fire at the Paul Pyres Community Hall for community members who want to pray or talk to someone.
Wampum CISM provides cultural peer support during critical incidents and is widely used for crisis intervention.
