**** RCMP Media Release
Statement from Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman, Commanding Officer, Nova Scotia RCMP
The devastating incidents of April 2020 in our beautiful province have had profound and far-reaching effects. The gunman’s actions were directed at innocent people, and no one has felt this more than the families of the victims. Their lives have changed in ways that most will never understand, and our hearts are with them during this difficult time.
Tomorrow at 2 p.m. the Nova Scotia RCMP will observe a moment of silence to honour victims, including Cst. Heidi Stevenson, and their families. This moment of silence is a remembrance for everyone we lost and a tribute to their memory. Today, RCMP employees across the province, as community members and as those who serve Nova Scotians, are remembering and honouring the victims in their own ways.
Well over 100 RCMP employees were part of the response on April 18 and 19, 2020, and hundreds more have been involved in Operation H-Strong, on the investigation and behind the scenes. We’ve all been touched in some way, and when you have a personal connection to victims, as many of our employees do, the incidents bring multiple emotions.
Many of us in the RCMP have taken comfort in the notes, public displays, and personal expressions of thanks from Nova Scotians – gestures that have been received with deep appreciation.
We understand people have questions and want to know as much as possible about the incidents. Charges related to the investigation are currently before the courts and we are participating fully in the Mass Casualty Commission, which is underway. It is our hope that the Mass Casualty Commission will provide a full accounting of what happened for the families of the victims and the public.
A year later, RCMP employees in communities across the province continue to serve Nova Scotians with professionalism and pride.
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***” Via RCMP
One year later, we remember. We continue to mourn the lives taken, and honour their memory. Our hearts are with all Nova Scotians today, and especially with the victims’ families. The gunman’s horrific actions were directed at innocent people, including Cst. Heidi Stevenson, and no one has felt this more than their families. Tomorrow, we will honour each victim and their families with a moment of silence and video tribute.
