In the wake of a tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where six children and two adults lost their lives, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Alberta has reported a surge in calls regarding potential gun sightings at schools. The reports have mostly turned out to be unfounded, but in one case, a man was seen acting suspiciously while holding a toy gun. This has heightened the concern among communities in Alberta, leading parents and schools to be particularly vigilant.

RCMP Corporal Mathew Howell indicated that such spikes in vigilance are common following traumatic events. He noted that individuals often experience a heightened fight-or-flight response in these situations, leading to increased awareness and caution about their surroundings. Howell reassured the public that while the fear may be unfounded, the instinct to report suspicious activity or potential threats is crucial and should be encouraged, indicating the importance of community vigilance in maintaining safety.

Authorities are urging citizens that reporting any suspicious activity is better than remaining silent, regardless of whether the threat turns out to be real. The RCMP emphasized that public vigilance can serve as an effective deterrent against actual threats, instilling a sense of safety within the community and reassuring parents and schools that steps are being taken to ensure student safety during these unnerving times.