The Edmonton Police Service is mourning the deaths of two of its members, who were shot and killed while on duty earlier this morning in a west Edmonton apartment complex.
At approximately 12:47 a.m. today, Thursday, March 16, 2023, EPS West Branch patrol members responded to a family dispute call in an apartment complex near 114 Avenue and 132 Street.
Upon arrival, EPS officials say the two patrol members went inside the building, approached the suite, and were shot by a young male suspect. At this time, EPS says all indications are that they did not have a chance to discharge their service weapons. The two members were rushed to hospital, where they were both declared deceased.
“This is an extremely tragic day for the Edmonton Police Service and our city,” stated EPS Chief Dale McFee. “I’m deeply saddened to announce the Line of Duty deaths of two of our members that occurred earlier this morning. These officers gave their lives while trying to protect our community. They will never be forgotten.”
“On behalf of the entire EPS family, our deepest condolences go out to their families, during this heart-breaking time.”
The deceased EPS members are West Branch patrol officers, Const. Brett Ryan, 30, with 5.5 years of service and Const. Travis Jordan, 35, with 8.5 years of service.
EPS officials say the young male suspect died from a self-inflicted gun-shot wound. A female complainant from the suite was also taken to hospital with serious injuries, where she remains in stable condition.
The Edmonton Police Service’s Employee and Family Assistance Section have since been called out to assist the families of the deceased officers and other members of the police service.
EPS says funeral and procession details will be confirmed and shared with the community in the coming days.
Erick Ambtman, Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission, issued the following statement regarding the deaths of the two on-duty police officers:
“On behalf of all members and staff of the Edmonton Police Commission and from the bottom of our hearts, we offer our deepest condolences to the entire Edmonton Police Service for the senseless and truly tragic loss of Constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan.
“This morning, these officers made the ultimate sacrifice while selflessly serving all of us who call Edmonton home.
“And the families, friends, and colleagues whose shoulders our service members stand on each day have now also made that ultimate sacrifice.
“We are extremely saddened by the news of these two young lives being cut short.
“Constables Jordan and Ryan will be forever remembered for their courage, bravery, compassion, and service while working to keep Edmonton’s streets safe.
“This is a day we did not expect and hoped would never happen in our city.
“We wish to express our deep sorrow and please know that our thoughts are with you all as the Edmonton Police Service moves through this incredibly difficult time.
“Day in and day out, the Edmonton Police Service is there for all of us and at all hours.
“Today and in the coming days, we ask that all Edmontonians to be there for the EPS as we share their grief, offer our care and compassion, and honour them for the important public service they provide.
“We thank you for your service.”
Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis have issued the following statement following the death of two Edmonton police officers on Thursday:
“Today, the province mourns the loss of two police officers killed in the line of duty. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Const. Travis Jordan and Const. Brett Ryan.
“Every day, police officers across Alberta put on their uniforms to step up to protect and serve our communities. The sudden and tragic deaths of these two Edmonton Police Service officers remind us again of the dangers police officers constantly face to ensure the safety of Albertans.
“Alberta’s government supports our police services to ensure they can perform their duties to keep our communities safe. Alberta would not be the great province it is today without the support of the courageous men and women who patrol our streets every day to keep our communities protected. The province is here to support the Edmonton Police Service during this tragic loss. To honour the service and dedication of these lost officers, the flags at the legislature will be lowered to half-mast.
“This is a difficult situation for many. For those affected by this tragedy and struggling with mental health, supports are available. The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is a 24-hour confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns and can be reached at 1-877-303-2642.”
Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley issued the following statement in response:
“It is with great sadness that I mark the loss of two Edmonton Police officers killed in the line of duty earlier this morning. Constable Travis Jordan, 35-years-old, a member of eight and a half years, and Constable Brett Ryan, 30-years-old, a member of five years. I know that there are no words that can truly capture the scale of heartbreak experienced by Albertans today. I offer the sincerest and deepest condolences on behalf of His Majesty’s Official Opposition.
“I first want to speak to the members of the Edmonton Police Service, and by extension, all Albertans who serve their communities on police forces across this province: Alberta stands with you. Today’s tragedy reminds us of your sacrifice and your bravery. You put yourselves in danger for the sake of our loved ones, our children, our parents and grandparents. People who mean the world to someone but are total strangers to you. You work in one of the most dangerous professions in the world and the consequences of your courage can be devastating. Today, all of Alberta grieves with you.
“I want to speak to the families of these officers. It takes an enormous amount of strength to see your loved ones go to work every day, knowing they will face these kinds of dangerous situations. To receive this news is devastating but know you are not alone. All of Alberta mourns with you. We also know that there is another woman involved in this event. This was a domestic dispute and there is now a woman fighting for her life in hospital. We extend our condolences and support to her and to her family as well.
Finally, I wish to speak to all members of the Legislative Assembly no matter what side of the aisle. Across this country, we have lost seven officers in the last six months alone. We know that frontline responders are facing increased risk doing their jobs: keeping citizens safe. After three years of greater and greater stress on our communities, I believe we can say that these incidents are not isolated, and neither are the solutions. It is on all of us to do everything we can to keep our communities safe and to keep our officers safe, and we can do that by working to build more secure communities.
“We owe it to the memory of Const. Jordan and Const. Ryan to come together, to find solutions, and to provide greater support and greater strength to Albertans throughout our communities. We owe it to all first responders, their families, and all Albertans to do everything we can to keep officers safe as they set out—each day—to do the same for us.”
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