Muslim Cemetery shooting not racially motivated, police say
CBC News | Posted: March 11, 2016 11:36 PM | Last Updated: March 12, 2016
4 adult males in hospital expected to survive, police believe shooting was targeted
RCMP say a shooting incident at the Muslim Cemetery near Cochrane, Alta., that sent four adult men to hospital Friday afternoon was the result of an altercation following a funeral and not racially motivated.
"It looks as though all the parties involved were at this funeral. And at this point we are not exactly sure what the relationship is between the shooters and the victims," said Cpl. Sharon Franks.
"They were there to mourn a friend and family member," she said. "This is one of those things that is hard to understand."
Franks said police are treating the investigation as targeted, not random or a racially motivated attack.
Four men were transported to Calgary hospitals following the shooting, which happened at about 3:35 p.m. MT.
All were taken by drivers from the funeral, not by ambulance. One was initially taken to the Alberta Children's Hospital, but due to his age was transferred to Foothills Hospital with the other three.
There was initial confusion over the number of victims police reported.
The cemetery manager said the funeral was for a 21-year-old man who died of a heart attack.
"You don't know what to do, you don't know what to think," Zouheir Osman said.
There was a large police presence at the cemetery and several officers at the entrance of Foothills Hospital late Friday.
Police said there is no risk to the public, but are urging any witnesses to contact the Cochrane RCMP.
Cochrane is just northwest of the Calgary city limits.