Canadian Border Guard Shot, Assailant Dead Near Vancouver

A Canadian border guard was shot yesterday in Vancouver, and it has also been reported that, shortly afterwards, her assailant died after shooting himself in the head.

The border guard shot at Peace Arch crossing is said to be in stable condition after the incident yesterday afternoon at around 2:30. According to Mounties, the Canada Border Services Agency guard was breathing and conscious as she was transported to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster for treatment, and the suspect in the shooting was said to be dead at the scene.

Witnesses describe chaos after the border guard was shot, and Brian White told reporters:

“It was incredible. Border guards were everywhere and one girl was screaming, then they closed everything down and put up the [police] tape.”

Witness Elizabeth Southam, who was three cars back from the crossing when the border guard was shot, said:

“Everybody started freaking out … Border guards ran out of the little booths here and locked everything up. Everyone just went crazy.”

Southam adds:

“I didn’t actually see the guns go off but they were all screaming and yelling at the guy and then he shot himself.”

Customs and Immigration Union national vice-president Jason McMichael expressed that he felt “shaken” after the shooting and commented:

“Obviously it’s the only thing on anyone’s mind — the wellness of our member who has been shot … We hoped that this day would never come.”

McMichael told reporters that he believes it is the first time one of his agents has been shot on the job. The border guard shot, who has not been identified in the press, remains in the hospital recovering from her wound.