Condolences and support from across P.E.I. for victims of Nova Scotia shootings

The full extent of theshootingsthat saw at least 18people killed in Nova Scotia is not yet known, but people on P.E.I. are showing support and offering condolences.

The victims were killed during a12-hour rampage that began late Saturdayin the small community of Portapique, with the gunman then moving through other communities in the area.He was killed after being intercepted by officers about 90 kilometres away in Enfield, north of Halifax.

Flags were flying at half-mast across P.E.I. Monday, at businesses and government buildings including Charlottetown city hall and other community spaces.

Flags outside the provincial government offices also flew at half-mast as a number of politicians sharedcondolences and support on social media.

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said Islanders mourn in solidarity with Nova Scotia, tweeting"Our hearts and thoughts are with all Nova Scotians in the aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy."

Opposition leaderPeter Bevan-Baker also shared his support to all those affected by the shootings.

"The enormity of the tragedy is still being revealed," Bevan-Baker said in a statement.

"This pain and fear is, if at all possible, made more unbearable by the need for us to be physically apart as we deal with another threat to our health and well-being."

At the daily briefing normally devoted to COVID-19, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison began with her condolences.

"This tragic, senseless act has left many families, friends and loved ones mourning in an already difficult time,"Morrison said. "And I know you all share the sadness of this news.

"My heart goes out to everyone touched by this unthinkable tragedy."

RCMPmourn fallen comrade

RCMP detachments also lowered their flags to honour the people killed. Islanders were sharing their connections to the victims like RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson.

Stevenson was killed when she responded to the call about an active shooter. She had friends and family on P.E.I., as well as colleagues with Island RCMP.

Sgt. Chris Gunn of Kings District RCMP described the police force as one large family, and even though no officers from P.E.I. were involved, they all feel the impact.

"These events are very tragic for not only the RCMP but also the community," Gunn said.

"We're trying to put on a brave face because work still has to be done but still remember our colleague and her family."

Gunn said RCMP has trained members as peer-to-peer support workers. They are trained to listen, and connect colleagues with professional services if necessary. Officers can also call the Employee Assistance Program for 24-hour access to counselling services.

'You never know'

Summerside Coun.Justin Doiron has a family connection to victims Sean McLeod and Alanna Jenkins.

They were correctional officers and lived together in West Wentworth, a community roughly 50 kilometres north of Portapique. They were both found dead in a home Sunday morning after a fire broke out and gunshots were heard.

Like many Islanders, Doiron said it was all hitting close to home for him.

"You don't have to look very far, especially around here, to find somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody," Doiron said."I think the message is, you never know.And you can never be too safe."

P.E.I.'s chief of nursing Marion Dowlingalso expressed condolences to people affected by thetragedy. She said she knows this can hit close to home for many Islanders.

Dowlingsaid mental health supports are in place for anyone in need.

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