Man dead after police-involved shooting in Neqotkuk First Nation in N.B.

An main(a) law guard dog says it is investigating the dying of a adult male shot and killed by RCMP responding to a domestic disturbance in Neqotkuk First Nation in northwestern New Brunswick early Sunday evening.

Investigators are now in the community, formerly known as Tobique, about 180 kilometres northwest of Fredericton, the Serious Incident Response Team said Monday afternoon.

Neqotkuk First Nation Chief Ross Perley and council have identified the victim as community member Bronson Paul — "a son, father, brother, partner, nephew and so much more."

"We understand that our community members are angry, confused, scared and shocked. We share that sentiment," they said in a news release on social media late Sunday night, about an hour after the watchdog agency, known as SIRT, announced the fatal "police-involved shooting."

Earlier Sunday, RCMP had issued a social media advisory, asking people to stay away because of a "police operation" in the community.

"We will share more information when we are able to," the 6:36 p.m. Post said.

The RCMP did not provide any additional information until Monday around 1:30 p.m.

Members of the Perth Andover RCMP detachment responded to a report of a domestic dispute at a residence on Main Street in Neqotkuk shortly after 5 p.m., according to the news release.

"As the situation quickly evolved, a man armed with an edged weapon advanced towards members," the release said.

"A conducted energy weapon (Taser) was deployed ineffectively, and a member discharged their firearm at the man.

"First aid was immediately administered at the scene, and the man was taken to hospital where he later died."

The release said the force is "committed to being accountable and transparent" and requested the Serious Incident Response Team review police actions.

SIRT investigates all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters determined to be of a public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer on or off-duty in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

On Monday, SIRT said members of its team have spoken with Chief Perley and are "committed to providing a thorough and transparent investigation."

The agency confirmed it was contacted by the RCMP shortly after the shooting and immediately assumed responsibility for the investigation.

Preliminary information suggests RCMP were called to a residence regarding a domestic disturbance and located a man in the house "who was in possession of a weapon," SIRT said.

"Details around the evening are still being collected but SiRT can confirm a conductive energy weapon (Taser) was deployed but was ineffective. Then another officer fired their service weapon striking the male.

"Life saving measures were administered and the male was transported to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased."

In their release, Neqotkuk chief and council said they are "still determining the circumstances of what unfolded," but that "there was a call to 911." It does not say by whom or when.

They offered sympathy to Paul's family and friends, and said they have been in contact with the local police force and Premier Susan Holt, and vowed to "push for transparency in this process and proper protocol in working with Indigenous communities."

They also intend to immediately close the RCMP detachment in Neqotkuk — "until we know that it is safe for our community members," they said.

Meanwhile, chief and council have activated Wampum critical incident stress management, who have lit a sacred fire at the Paul Pyres Community Hall "for those who want to pray or talk to someone."

Mental health support will also be available in the community and through the schools, they said.

The premier said the government is "deeply saddened" by Paul's death.

"Our thoughts are with his children, his family, and the entire Neqotkuk community as they navigate this difficult and painful time," Holt said in a statement.

"We have offered Chief Perley and council our support and are committed to ensuring that the investigation proceeds in a fair, transparent and urgent way, so the family and community can have the answers and long-term solutions they need."

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