A lockdown at West Edmonton Mall was lifted Thursday afternoon after a significant police presence was deployed to the scene following reports of a possible gunshot.
According to witnesses and video shared with CTV News Edmonton, police vehicles surrounded the mall as officers responded to an unfolding situation inside one of Canada’s largest shopping centres. Shoppers reported hearing an emergency announcement over the mall’s intercom system instructing people to move into nearby stores as a precaution.
Unverified reports earlier in the afternoon suggested a possible gunshot near the Bourbon Street area, prompting the lockdown and a swift police response. Authorities have not confirmed those initial reports.
Video obtained by CTV News shows multiple police cruisers positioned outside the mall, while additional footage from inside captures crowds being calmly guided into stores during the lockdown.
The lockdown was lifted at approximately 1:15 p.m. local time. At the time of publication, police had not released further details about the incident or confirmed whether any injuries occurred. CTV News Edmonton said it has reached out to police for additional information.
Police remained on scene after the lockdown was lifted as a precautionary measure, and the situation was described as contained. Shoppers were gradually allowed to resume normal movement inside the mall.
This remains a developing story, and further updates are expected once police provide official confirmation on what triggered the lockdown and whether any charges will follow.
