Massacre Plot Foiled

Two Canadian teens planned a colossal tragedy, but thankfully Winnipeg police uncovered the plot, foiling attempted mass murder at Manitoba’s largest university, two high schools and a church.

Police said the suspects -- a boy and girl, ages 17 -- had a stockpile of weapons and were allegedly aiming for one person in particular and planning to shoot others at random. The motive for such stupidity was not revealed by police, nor how they learned of the plot or whether it was documented in some form.

Although there was no specific date set for the killing spree, plans for the massacre began in October. The teenagers were targeting Lorette Collegiate, Fort Richmond Collegiate, the University of Manitoba and the Church of the Rock. One suspect is enrolled at Fort Richmond, and one is a former student at Lorette. The boy attended youth events at the church as recently as last fall.

Responses from locals could have been summarized with what Pastor Mark Hughes of Church of the Rock said, “You hear about these things in other places. You don’t expect it in your own city, and you certainly don’t expect it in your own facility.”

The unsettling truth is that this type of thing is happening anywhere and everywhere. It’s unfortunate that teenagers in this day and age feel the need to turn to violence to solve whatever problems they may have.

Thankfully, law enforcement acted on credible tips about the alleged threat. When the plan began to unravel, police seized the firearms inside a home where one of the suspects lives.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.