2 Edmonton police officers killed; 16-year-old suspect dead, mother hospitalized

Two Edmonton police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty early Thursday morning. Carly Robinson has reaction from witnesses and neighbours.

By Alejandro Melgar and Cole Fortner

Posted March 16, 2023 8:03 am.

Last Updated March 16, 2023 7:04 pm.

Edmonton police say two officers were killed in the line of duty Thursday morning, with sources telling CityNews the suspect was 16 years old.

Police say the suspect’s death is “believed to be from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

A woman was injured and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and later upgraded to stable condition. Sources tell CityNews the woman was the teenage suspect’s mother.

The deceased police officers were identified as 35-year-old Travis Jordan and 30-year-old Brett Ryan.

At a news conference Thursday, Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee said it happened while the officers responded to a call near 114 Avenue and 132 Street.

“Upon arrival, the two patrol members went inside the building, approached the suite and were shot by a male subject,” McFee said. “At this time, all indications are they did not have a chance to discharge their firearms.”

Jordan, who served with the EPS for eight years, and Ryan, who served for five, were taken to hospital by other officers, where they later died from their injuries.

Const. Brett Ryan (left) and Const. Travis Jordan (right). (Photos Courtesy: Edmonton Police Service)

“This is an extremely tragic day for the Edmonton Police Service and our city,” added 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.”

Edmonton police officers stand outside a scene where two officers were shot and killed. (Photo Credit: Rod Maldaner)

CityNews spoke to a nearby resident about what they witnessed: “I saw six police officers carry a body, like down the back alley, at 1:30 in the morning.”

By 9 a.m., forensic units and command post trucks were outside a Baywood Apartment complex. In photos from the scene, one of the complexes was taped off.

For their investigation, Edmonton police closed a small portion of 132 Street between 114 Avenue and 117 Avenue. At this time it is unclear when it would be fully reopened.

One long-time resident of a nearby apartment building says it’s not uncommon to see officers responding to the area, but what she woke up to, early Thursday morning felt different. “I got up at like 3 a.m., seeing so many cops around the complex, I was like what is going on?”

Glenda, who didn’t want her last name published, only found out about the officers killed when speaking with reporters on her way to drop her kid at school.

“It’s terrible. It’s not what you want to hear when you get up in the morning. I mean, the police is here to protect us.”

Nicole Vandekamp doesn’t live in the area but felt compelled to drive to the scene, saying she has friends in law enforcement and used to bring her daughter to preschool in the area.

“I wanted to come here and just pray,” Vandekamp told CityNews. “My heart is heavy for the police force, and the families and friend, people who live in this neighbourhood.

“They (police) put their lives at risk every day, and we don’t even know half the things that go on here.”

Const. Jordan made headlines in 2020, when instead of issuing a ticket to a woman whose car was covered in snow decided to brush it off for her before letting her drive off.

Cst Travis Jordan made headlines in 2020, when instead of issuing a ticket to a woman whose car was covered in snow decided to brush it off for her before letting her drive off. #yeg #yegcc #RIP pic.twitter.com/tIspeKg0fU

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 16, 2023

Ryan, who lived in Spruce Grove just west of Edmonton, was always willing to give back, helping younger hockey officials develop their skills, Carter said. The officer was also active in the slow pitch community.

Const. Ryan’s brother took to social media saying, “I’ve lost my brother today. Life as I know it has changed forever. Words cannot describe how much I love my big little brother. I am so proud of him, his accomplishments, and the man he has become. I’ll miss him always.”

I’ve lost my brother today. Life as I know it has changed forever. Words cannot describe how much I love my big little brother. I am so proud of him, his accomplishments, and the man he has become. I’ll miss him always.

Catch you on the other side Brett. I love you forever. https://t.co/AEnrWCYkQB

— x-Garett Ryan (@gerthimusprime) March 16, 2023

The Edmonton Police Commission has also cancelled a meeting that was planned for Thursday, in response to the deaths.

McFee says updates will be provided by EPS as more information becomes known and said there is no further risk to the public.

“This is unthinkable. It’s unimaginable. It’s horrific. It’s a tragedy. But we will move on because that’s what we do.”

Nationwide mourning

In a statement issued Thursday morning, Edmonton’s Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said Edmonton was “devastated to receive the news that Constable Travis Jordan and Constable Brett Ryan were murdered in the line of duty early this morning.

“Today is a very difficult and sad day. Every single day police officers put their lives at risk to help protect the public. Every day, the families of police officers send their loved ones off to work and hope they return home safely. This didn’t happen today for the Ryan and Jordan families. We hold you in our hearts as you mourn this profound loss and we mourn it with you,” his statement continued.

“I also want to take a moment to acknowledge that there are many police officers back on duty serving and protecting Edmontonians while trying to understand what led to this unthinkable tragedy. So I ask all Edmontonians, when you see an officer working to keep you and our community safe, please thank them for their service.”

READ MORE: Alberta mourns Edmonton officers killed in the line of duty

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to social media following the shooting, saying: “Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe. The news that two Edmonton Police officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues – we’re here for you.”

Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe. The news that two @EdmontonPolice officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues – we’re here for you.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 16, 2023

The Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre tweeted, “We mourn with the families and colleagues of two police officers killed in the line of duty in Edmonton this morning. Never take for granted that our law enforcement put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe.”

We mourn with the families and colleagues of two police officers killed in the line of duty in Edmonton this morning.

Never take for granted that our law enforcement put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe.https://t.co/E2XvzFT6Q6 pic.twitter.com/DiVkDCdQ9N

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) March 16, 2023

“Today I learned that two Edmonton police officers were killed. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks our police officers face every day in their service to keep us safe. My thoughts are with Chief McFee and the Edmonton police as we mourn the loss of their colleagues,” said federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair in a statement.

Members of other police forces across the country have begun passing their condolences for those affected by the shooting.

“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,” said Erick Ambtman, Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission in a statement. “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.”

Ambtman added the officers made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ralph Kaisers, the president of the Vancouver Police Union and the BC Police Association, tweeted “Our hearts are broken as we hear news of the murder of two Edmonton Police officers last night. On behalf of all our members of the BC Police Association we send our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with all family, friends, and colleagues.”