Today, June 28th, marks the one-year anniversary of a tragic event that shook the community and left an undeniable mark on the lives of many.
It was on this day, one year ago, that the BMO branch on Shelbourne Street became the site of a horrific shooting incident.
On a day that started like any other, chaos erupted as two lone gunman entered the BMO branch on Shelbourne Street.
Once they entered the bank, they fired a single shot into the ceiling and demanded cash.
There were 22 people inside the bank at the time, including customers and employees.
Just over 10 minutes later, as officers approached, a large shootout began between police and the suspects.
The incident saw six police officers with Saanich Police, VicPD and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) critically injured in the shooting and two suspects killed following an exchange of gunfire.
The two gunmen, 22-year-old twin brothers Mathew and Isaac Auchterlonie from Duncan, had intentions of engaging in a shootout with law enforcement and kill police.
Both reportedly held very strong anti-government and anti-police views.
At present, there is an officer from Victoria and two officers from Saanich who have yet to resume their duties due to injuries sustained on that particular day.
The twin brothers had been living and working together in Mill Bay prior to the shooting.
Over 200 police officers were involved in the investigation. They processed the scene gathering and analyzing evidence for five days following the shooting.
After investigating the Auchterlonie brothers, their home and their backgrounds, police determined that the BMO in Saanich and the Saanich Police were random targets.
After searching and investigating their home, evidence was found that suggested the brothers were planning a larger-scale act of violence in mid-2023.
Evidence indicated they had been planning a shooting since 2019.
Police say that the duo had radical anti-authority, anti-government and anti-police views and that was part of their motivation behind their actions.
“The individuals had been plotting an act of extreme violence since at least 2019 and were fully prepared for the consequences. The civilians inside the bank, while directly threatened and traumatized, were never the ultimate targets of the suspects,” Cpl. Alex Bérubé, BC RCMP Media Relations Officer said in January during a press conference.
Today, on the first anniversary of the incident, both Saanich and Victoria police departments released statements reflecting on the incident.
Statement from Saanich Police Chief Constable Dean Duthie:
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the June 28th shooting incident at BMO on Shelbourne Street.
As we acknowledge and recognize the date, we are mindful and respect that our staff, people directly involved, and people in our community will be reflecting and processing feelings in individual and unique ways. The past year has tested us as people, police officers, and as an organization in extraordinary ways that have encouraged healthy change and growth in our culture and internal systems. The health, well-being, and connection with all our staff – sworn officers, civilian personnel, and volunteers have been, and continue to be a primary focus as we move forward, progress, and strengthen.
As a vital step forward, it was critical for us to remain open, connected, and responsive to the changing needs and new challenges that this traumatic and highly emotional incident identified. By enhancing and growing our internal mental health resources, training, and wellness programs, we have made significant strides forward in the quality and timeliness of supports for our staff – which has had a meaningful impact on our staff’s recovery as many have successfully returned to active duty while others continue to progress in their healing journey.
As we reflect on the past twelve months, which have been emotional and challenging, we regularly remind ourselves and each other that the actions and teamwork demonstrated on June 28th, 2022 were exemplary as they saved lives and quickly restored peace and safety to the Bank of Montreal staff, customers, and our community. We are deeply grateful for all assistance and support that we received on this day one year ago and for many months following from our partners – Victoria Police, RCMP, Central Saanich Police, Oak Bay Police, E-COMM, BC Ambulance Service, Saanich Fire Department, and the emergency medical, health, and psychological professionals who have cared for and treated our staff.
The ongoing support, encouragement, and appreciation that we have received from residents, businesses, and people throughout our community has been moving and inspiring. This support has played a major role in our ability to keep moving forward with passion, dedication, and purpose. We continue to look forward in a positive direction as we report for duty each day and night to serve our community and keep people safe.
Statement from VicPD:
VicPD officers and staff remember the June 28, 2022 events with gratitude for those who responded and those who have supported them over the past year.
On June 28, 2022, VicPD officers responded to a serious event unfolding in Saanich. What followed was a very difficult time for all VicPD officers and staff, and truly for anyone working in policing, or who was on site that day.
One year later, we say thank you, to everyone who showed up on that day, and in the days, weeks and months that followed. From the other police and emergency response departments, to the health and wellness professionals who have accompanied us, and the others who were impacted that day, in the ongoing journey to recovery, to the citizens of Victoria and Esquimalt who continue to show their support – thank you for being there.
As we reflect on this day, we focus our thoughts on the show of support we have received over the past year and would like to share that with you in a short video:
Love this video tribute. Big thanks to our communities for their outpouring of support & to all officers who responded displaying the highest level courage & sacrifice. #ThankYou #Grateful https://t.co/vaWN5SBHPW
— Del Manak (@ChiefManak) June 28, 2023
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