Witnesses reported that gunfire broke out in downtown Vancouver on Saturday afternoon, causing people to scatter for cover.
The event occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Robson Street between Homer and Richards streets.
While the police did not immediately confirm the shooting, Mayor Ken Sim, who was present to attend a concert, went to the scene to receive a briefing from the authorities.
Sim stated, “There was an incident here. Public safety was at risk. I don’t have more to say at this point in time.”
Damage, such as bullet holes and shattered glass, was visible on a black SUV after part of Robson Street was closed due to the shooting incident in Vancouver on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
An eyewitness who called 911 reported that around twenty people sought refuge in an IGA after the shots were fired. According to the witness, a white vehicle pulled up behind a black SUV in an alleyway near the Hilton Vancouver Downtown hotel. At least two individuals exited the white vehicle and fired at the SUV before returning to their vehicle and fleeing down the alley.
A dog in the SUV was injured, according to the witness.
During the shooting, the black SUV moved forward from the alley and collided with a white SUV driving along Robson, the witness claimed.
After shutting down a part of Robson Street for the shooting incident in Vancouver on Saturday, March 30, 2024, a Vancouver police officer was seen passing by a black SUV surrounded by evidence cones.
Another witness mentioned that a woman was crying and receiving assistance from firefighters. The witness observed people running in all directions after coming out of the central library. Cyclists abandoned their bikes in the middle of the street.
As the black SUV was being towed away about three hours later, photos taken by a Canadian Press photographer revealed what seemed to be multiple bullet holes in the passenger windows.
A police officer stood guard at a scene where a black vehicle, encircled by evidence cones, had crashed into a white vehicle, leading to the closure of part of Robson Street due to the shooting incident in Vancouver on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
On Saturday evening, the police closed off Robson between Homer and Richards streets. Bystanders had unconfirmed reports of a shooting in downtown Vancouver. Douglas Quan photo.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who was present to attend a concert, visited the crime scene on Saturday night. Douglas Quan photo
Shooting in Vancouver on Robson and Richards according to some people standing around. Hope everyone’s ok. pic.twitter.com/oXGLoToLTQ
— Adam Killam (@adamkillam) March 31, 2024
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