West Edmonton Mall Lockdown Edmonton, Alberta — West Edmonton Mall — one of North America’s largest shopping destinations — was briefly placed under lockdown earlier today after police received reports of a weapons complaint inside the complex, prompting a swift and extensive response from the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).
Authorities say the mall was placed into lockdown around mid-afternoon when officers were called to investigate reports that a man had been spotted with a gun. As a precautionary safety measure, the mall’s security and local police instructed patrons and staff to remain in secure areas such as stores and restaurants while the scene was assessed.
EPS officers located and took the individual into custody, and no shots were fired and no injuries were reported. Once authorities determined there was no ongoing threat to the public, the lockdown was cleared and mallgoers were allowed to safely exit the building.
This follows past lockdowns at the mall tied to safety concerns. In August 2023, a shooting in the mall’s vicinity led to an extended lockdown, during which three people were hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries as EPS secured the area. That incident was described as a targeted shooting, and police have since pursued suspects connected to that case.
West Edmonton Mall officials regularly work with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of visitors, and the mall conducts quarterly lockdown drills as part of its emergency preparedness plans.
At this time, police have not released additional details. The mall’s operations have resumed normally, and EPS continues to encourage anyone with information related to the weapon sighting to contact authorities. This remains a developing situation, and updates may be issued as more details become available.
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