Authorities have identified the two suspects as Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson, and are advising the public to take appropriate precautions. The pair are believed to be traveling in a black Nissan Rogue with Saskatchewan license plates.
“We are taking every step possible to track down these individuals,” said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Blackmore said the first stabbing report came in at 5:40 a.m. local time (6:30 a.m. ET.) and within minutes they received several calls reporting additional stabbings. Authorities say there are 13 crime scenes where victims were found across Saskatchewan. Blackmore said it appears some of the victims were targeted and some were random.
“It’s certainly a very significant event, if not the biggest one we’ve seen in years,” Blackmore said.
In a message to the two suspects, Blackmore said: “If Damien and Myles are listening or receiving this information, I would ask them to turn themselves into the police immediately.”
“Our thoughts are with the many dead and injured victims, their family, friends and community. It is horrific what happened in our province today,” he continued.
Sunday’s violence prompted officials to issue a “civil emergency,” warning Regina-area residents to “take precautions.” “To everyone in Saskatchewan, especially those near the James Smith Cree First Nation area, please shelter in place and stay safe,” tweeted Canadian Public Safety Minister Marco Beggar
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement that the stabbings “are horrific and heartbreaking.”
“We are closely monitoring the situation and urge everyone to follow updates from local authorities,” Trudeau tweeted. “Thank you to all the brave first responders for their efforts on the ground.” Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe tweeted his condolences to the people of the province.
“There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence. All of Saskatchewan grieves with the victims and their families,” Moe tweeted.
The mass stabbing also increased security at the Saskatchewan Roughriders game, the CFL team said on Twitter.
“As a result, additional members of law enforcement have been deployed in and around Mosaic Stadium,” the statement said. “The club operates a centralized command center on match day which allows immediate connection to local emergency services and the ability to receive up to the minute information when any type of emergency occurs.”