Edmonton Police Service (EPS) reported a 34 % increase in shootings in 2023 compared to the previous year. In cases where shooters were identified and charged, the majority did not hold a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL).
In December, there were a total of 17 reported shooting occurrences. Of the 17 occurrences, 12 are believed to be targeted and 10 resulted in injuries.
Compared to December 2022, shooting occurrences were down by 19%; however, year to date there has been a 34% increase compared to last year. In 2023, the EPS recorded 221 shooting occurrences. In 2022, 165 shooting occurrences were reported.
Public safety risk continued to be a concern in December with 13 of the 17 shootings having the potential for innocent bystanders to be harmed.
“The overall rise in shootings this past year was concerning, but we are working hard to trend these numbers down in 2024,” says Staff Sergeant Eric Stewart of the EPS Gangs and Guns Section of the Organized Crime Branch.
“This includes continuing to actively implement our Guns and Gangs Strategy, which recently added a new Gang Suppression Team and a new Firearms Investigation Unit Team. Together, we hope they’ll help us make significant strides in reducing gun violence citywide.”
Police seized 892 firearms in 2023. Where caliber is known, .22 caliber rifles and 9 mm handguns were the most common firearms used in shooting occurrences.
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