The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has concluded that Calgary police acted within the limits of the law and in a reasonable manner when they fatally shot a man who had a live grenade strapped to his chest. This incident occurred while the police were executing a search warrant in March 2024. When confronted by officers, the man fled into the basement, leading to a 29-hour standoff, during which he fired at the police and made threats to detonate the grenade, claiming he did not want to face incarceration.

The situation escalated as the police attempted various tactics to subdue the man, including firing gas canisters and ultimately flooding the basement. When the man emerged, still wearing the grenade and armed with a shotgun, police fired 12 rounds, fatally injuring him. ASIRT's acting executive director Matthew Block stated that the officers' decision to shoot was justified given the immediate threat posed by the suspect, whom he described as a "mortal threat" to both law enforcement and potentially innocent bystanders.

This case brought attention to the challenges faced by police in dealing with armed individuals exhibiting suicidal tendencies during high-stakes standoffs. While the police acted in defense of their safety and that of the public, the incident raises questions about mental health response protocols and the need for effective intervention strategies in similar situations in the future.