The incident took place on Saturday night shortly before 10:30 p.m. The Ottawa Police Service, responding to reports of shots fired, arrived at the scene promptly.
The convention center on Gibford Drive was hosting a wedding attended by several guests, where the shooting unfolded outside the venue.
According to authorities, the persons involved were attending a wedding at a conference center on Gibford Drive when the incident happened outside the event.
The victims have been identified as 26-year-old Said Mohamed Ali and 29-year-old Abdishakur Abdi-Dahir, both from Toronto.
“„All investigative angles are being explored. At this stage, there is no indication that this was a hate-motivated shooting.- The Ottawa Police Homicide Unit
The Ottawa Police Homicide Unit has initiated an investigation into the incident. Authorities are diligently exploring all investigative angles, although at this stage, there is no indication that this was a hate-motivated shooting, as stated by the police.
“„This violence is tragic and unacceptable. It is disturbing for our entire community. Police are reaching out to community leaders to ensure the families of the victims are supported.- The Ottawa Police Homicide Unit
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Law enforcement agencies are urging witnesses to come forward with any information they may have about the incident.
Additionally, investigators are seeking surveillance, doorbell, or dashcam footage from residents, visitors, and businesses in the vicinity at the time of the incident.
Witnesses described the chaotic and harrowing scene that unfolded during the shooting. Guests attending the wedding reception found themselves caught in a terrifying situation, with gunshots ringing out.
One witness recounted that it was sheer chaos, with people running in all directions, trying to find safety.
“„It was chaos, there was no general direction of where people were running, it was just everywhere.- Nico, who came to the wedding to pick up his friend
“„It was rapid shots, and then there was screaming, and then there was a pause, and then there were more shots, probably like 15-16 more shots that I can recall.- Nico, who came to the wedding to pick up his friend
The Ottawa police expressed their deep concern about the violence and its impact on the community. They are actively reaching out to community leaders to ensure that the families of the victims receive the necessary support during this difficult time.
“„We are in the process of connecting the pieces of the puzzle.- Martin Groulx, police inspector
Police officials and vehicles are standing on road. This tragic incident adds to the growing concern over increasing gun violence in Canadian cities. In recent years, many cities across Canada have reported a significant rise in armed violence, including frequent shootings.
According to the Canadian government, since 2009, the country has witnessed an alarming 81 percent increase in violent gun crime.
As the investigation into this devastating shooting continues, the community and authorities are left grappling with the senseless loss of lifeand the need for effective measures to address the rising issue of gun violence in the country. The shooting that occurred outside a wedding celebration in Ottawa, Canada, has left two individuals dead and six injured, sending shockwaves through the community.
Ottawa's police are actively investigating the incident, with no indication yet that it was a hate-motivated attack. This tragic event underscores the alarming rise in gun violence across Canadian cities, prompting a call for more effective measures to address this pressing issue.
As authorities work to piece together the details of the incident, the community is left mourning the senseless loss of life and grappling with the need for solutions to combat gun violence.