Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the knife attacks in Saskatchewan “shocking and heartbreaking” as the manhunt for the two suspects continues.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all Canadians are with those who have lost loved ones and those who are hurt. This type of violence, or any other type of violence, has no place in our country,” said he told reporters in Ottawa. during a press briefing on Monday.
The stabbing occurred Sunday at the James Smith Cree Nation and nearby village of Weldon, Saskatchewan. killing 10 and injuring 18.
The two suspects, Damien Sanderson, 31, and Myles Sanderson, 30, remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous. Myles faces three counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of breaking and entering. Damien is charged with one count of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of breaking and entering.
Police believe the men were spotted in Regina just before noon local time on Sunday. They were known to have last traveled in a black Nissan Rogue with Saskatchewan license plate 119 MPI.
Trudeau also told reporters that he spoke with Cree Nation leaders James Smith, as well as Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, to “emphasize that the federal government will be there with the resources necessary at this time in this time of crisis”.
“Furthermore, we will continue to work as partners in the weeks, months and years to come through grief and healing,” he said.
The flag on the Peace Tower atop Parliament Hill in Ottawa, as well as flags on all federal buildings in Saskatchewan, were also lowered to half-mast, the prime minister announced.
“Unfortunately, over the past few years, tragedies like these have become all too common. Saskatchewanians and Canadians will do what we always do in times of difficulty and anguish,” Trudeau said. “We will be there for each other, we will be there for our neighbours, we will lean on each other, we will help grieve and heal. We will continue to do so and all Canadians will be with you in this difficult time.
With files from CTV News Regina.