Alberta mourns Edmonton officers killed in the line of duty

Alberta is mourning the loss of two Edmonton officers that were killed while responding to a domestic call early Thursday morning.

In a news conference on Thursday, Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee called it an “unthinkable and horrific tragedy.”

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

“We appreciate all the expressions of support from all over the country, nationally, and internationally, and locally. That is the support that helps us get through each day.”

Police say 35-year-old Const. Travis Jordan and 30-year-old Const. Brett Ryan were responding to a family dispute call just before 1 a.m. at the Baywood Apartments on 114 Avenue and 132 Street.

When they went inside the apartment complex and approached the suite in question, they were shot by the suspect.

McFee says they did not get a chance to use their weapons.

Read More: ‘Unthinkable and horrific tragedy’: 2 Edmonton police officers shot and killed

In a statement issued Thursday morning, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said the city was “devastated” to learn about the deaths of Const. Jordan and Const. Ryan.

“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 reads.

???? We are all devastated to receive the news that Constable Travis Jordan and Constable Brett Ryan were murdered in the line of duty early this morning. #YEG pic.twitter.com/lNs3NQT8km

— Amarjeet Sohi (@AmarjeetSohiYEG) March 16, 2023

“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.”

Premier Danielle Smith echoed Sohi’s statement, saying, “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.”

WATCH: Condolences pouring in following death of two Edmonton Police officers

“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,” Smith’s statement reads.

“The province is here to support the Edmonton Police Service during this tragic loss.”

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… pic.twitter.com/ToVsZEN64r

— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) March 16, 2023

Flags lowered to half mast 

Smith says the flags at the Alberta legislature building will be lowered to half-mast to “honour the service and dedication” of the lost officers.

Flags were also lowered outside the Edmonton police headquarters and across the city. There was a growing memorial outside the police HQ.

The department says it is offering support to the constables’ families, as well as colleagues of the two officers killed.

Alberta NDP Leader Rachelle Notley released a statement Thursday afternoon saying she offers condolences on behalf of the 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 our 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.”

Notley added in the last six months, eight police officers have been killed across Canada. “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.”

READ MORE: 8 police officers killed in Canada on the job since September

Notley also extended condolences to the family of the woman still in the hospital following Thursday morning’s incident.

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific shootings that took place this morning.

As we await information, our thoughts are with all who have been touched by this awful tragedy, including the families, loved ones and colleagues of two fallen Edmonton police officers.

— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) March 16, 2023

“They served with bravery and honour and were selflessly dedicated to the essential work of keeping us all safe. Albertans will never forget them and are thankful to all members of the uniform services for their sustained service and sacrifice. We also hold in our thoughts all of those who are victims of senseless violence in our communities,” said Alberta Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani.

Calgary police, mayor offer condolences 

Members of the Calgary Police Service offered condolences to the lost officers, saying in a tweet, “With immense sadness and heavy hearts, we mourn the tragic loss of two [Edmonton police] officers killed in the line of duty.”

“We share in the profound grief and loss of the fallen officers. They made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their communities,” the tweet reads.

With immense sadness and heavy hearts we mourn the tragic loss of two @edmontonpolice officers killed in the line of duty.

We share in the profound grief and loss of the fallen officers. They made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their communities.

On behalf of the CPS, we… pic.twitter.com/sz3JfMhB7r

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) March 16, 2023

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek gave her condolences to the families of the officers while speaking in a news conference in Calgary.

“My condolences to their Edmonton police family as well as the entire community in the city. This is on behalf of all of my council colleagues, as well as the City of Calgary,” she said.

“We know that anytime an officer responds to a call, they have no idea what they will meet on the other end. And this was an incredibly tragic situation. I think members of every police service who do this work every day, knowing that their lives are at risk. This is an incredibly sad day.”

Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis stating, “Every day, police officers across Alberta put their uniforms on and they protect and serve their communities. The sudden and tragic death of these two Edmonton Police Service officers reminds us again of the dangers the police officers face on a daily basis. What’s important now is that we provide our support to the family, friends and colleagues of these officers. I cannot stress that enough.”

Edmonton Oilers address constables’ deaths

The Edmonton Oilers shared their condolences with the officers’ families.

In a tweet, the team said it was “deeply saddened to hear that two @edmontonpolice officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. Our condolences go out to the families & loved ones of Const. Brett Ryan & Const. Travis Jordan as well as the entire EPS family who have always been our valued partners.

“The #Oilers are staunch supporters of @edmontonpolice & all first responders. We will be honouring Const. Ryan & Const. Jordan during tonight’s game at @RogersPlace. These fallen heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe & we will never forget.”

The #Oilers are staunch supporters of @edmontonpolice & all first responders. We will be honouring Const. Ryan & Const. Jordan during tonight's game at @RogersPlace. These fallen heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe & we will never forget. ????????

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 16, 2023

#Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft and forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins both taking time during this morning's scrums to share their condolences with those impacted by the deaths of two Edmonton police officers in the line of duty. #yeg pic.twitter.com/Btb22zgwjF

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 16, 2023

Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft and forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins spoke of the fallen officers after morning skate Thursday.

“Their families are in the hearts and minds of everyone involved with the Edmonton Oilers organization,” said Woodcroft. “Very tough morning for our group. Tough morning for the City of Edmonton. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

“Condolences to the two cops,” said Nugent-Hopkins. “Today I heard that and obviously you feel that in the community. Just thoughts with their families and friends for sure. We’ll be thinking of them and their whole families today. Tough day for the community.”

Const. Jordan made headlines in 2020 when instead of issuing a ticket to a woman whose car was covered in snow, he 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

Const. Ryan was known throughout the Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association as he dedicated time as an official with the league.

“A local official with SGMHA, Brett Ryan was a pillar within our community and will be missed by all who knew him. We take this time to honour his life and the contributions he has made to the Edmonton community and beyond,” said the Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association in a statement.

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