Media Statements

Edmonton Police Service fatalities: Premier Smith

Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis issued the following statement following the death of two Edmonton police officers:

“Today, the province mourns the loss of two police officers killed in the line of duty. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Const. Travis Jordan and Const. Brett Ryan.

“Every day, police officers across Alberta put on their uniforms to step up to protect and serve our communities. The sudden and tragic deaths of these two Edmonton Police Service officers remind us again of the dangers police officers constantly face to ensure the safety of Albertans.

“Alberta’s government supports our police services to ensure they can perform their duties to keep our communities safe. Alberta would not be the great province it is today without the support of the courageous men and women who patrol our streets every day to keep our communities protected. The province is here to support the Edmonton Police Service during this tragic loss. To honour the service and dedication of these lost officers, the flags at the legislature will be lowered to half-mast.

“This is a difficult situation for many. For those affected by this tragedy and struggling with mental health, supports are available. The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is a 24-hour confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns and can be reached at 1-877-303-2642.”

Statement:

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi on fallen Edmonton Police Service officers

I am here before you today with a very heavy heart. 

We are all devastated to receive the news that Constable Travis Jordan and Constable Brett Ryan were murdered in the line of duty early this morning. 

On behalf of City Council, City Administration and all Edmontonians, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of these fallen officers, and the entire Edmonton Police Service. I also send my condolences to all first responders and to all Edmontonians as we grieve together. 

Today is a very difficult and sad day. 

Every single day police officers put their lives at risk to help protect the public. 

Every day, the families of police officers send their loved ones off to work and hope they return home safely. 

This didn’t happen today for the Ryan and Jordan families. 

To the members of the Edmonton Police Service and their families, I want you to know that I, my office, City Council and City Administration is here to support you.

We hold you in our hearts as you mourn this profound loss and we mourn it with you. 

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge that there are many police officers back on duty serving and protecting Edmontonians while trying to understand what led to this unthinkable tragedy.  

So I ask all Edmontonians, when you see an officer working to keep you and our community safe, please thank them for their service. 

The contributions of Constable Ryan and Constable Jordan will always be remembered. To all EPS members, please know that we are here for you, and we offer our support through this incredibly difficult time. 

 

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley issued the following statement in response to the deaths of two Edmonton Police officers:

“It is with great sadness that I mark the loss of two Edmonton Police officers killed in the line of duty earlier this morning. Constable Travis Jordan, 35-years-old, a member of eight and a half years, and Constable Brett Ryan, 30-years-old, a member of five years. I know that there are no words that can truly capture the scale of heartbreak experienced by Albertans today. I offer the sincerest and deepest condolences on behalf of His Majesty’s Official Opposition.

“I first want to speak to the members of the Edmonton Police Service, and by extension, all Albertans who serve their communities on police forces across this province: Alberta stands with you. Today’s tragedy reminds us of your sacrifice and your bravery. You put yourselves in danger for the sake of our loved ones, our children, our parents and grandparents. People who mean the world to someone but are total strangers to you. You work in one of the most dangerous professions in the world and the consequences of your courage can be devastating. Today, all of Alberta grieves with you.

“I want to speak to the families of these officers. It takes an enormous amount of strength to see your loved ones go to work every day, knowing they will face these kinds of dangerous situations. To receive this news is devastating but know you are not alone. All of Alberta mourns with you. We also know that there is another woman involved in this event. This was a domestic dispute and there is now a woman fighting for her life in hospital. We extend our condolences and support to her and to her family as well.

Finally, I wish to speak to all members of the Legislative Assembly no matter what side of the aisle. Across this country, we have lost seven officers in the last six months alone. We know that frontline responders are facing increased risk doing their jobs: keeping citizens safe. After three years of greater and greater stress on our communities, I believe we can say that these incidents are not isolated, and neither are the solutions. It is on all of us to do everything we can to keep our communities safe and to keep our officers safe, and we can do that by working to build more secure communities.

“We owe it to the memory of Const. Jordan and Const. Ryan to come together, to find solutions, and to provide greater support and greater strength to Albertans throughout our communities. We owe it to all first responders, their families, and all Albertans to do everything we can to keep officers safe as they set out—each day—to do the same for us.”