Calgary Police investigate spike in gun violence as criminologist warns of public safety risks

Calgary police are investigating a troubling rise in gun violence after five shootings were reported across the city in less than a week, raising concerns among law enforcement and public safety experts.

The most recent shooting occurred Sunday morning in the 4000 block of 104 Avenue S.E., located in an industrial area of the city. The incident marked the fifth shooting in six days and the fourth since Friday morning.

Authorities say two shootings took place on Friday in the Forest Lawn and Beltline neighbourhoods, while another shooting was reported in East Village on Saturday. The incidents have prompted renewed concerns about public safety as gun-related violence appears to be occurring in increasingly public locations.

Mount Royal University justice studies professor Doug King says the trend is particularly alarming because of the risk posed to innocent bystanders.

“This is all taking place out in the public,” King said. “You can get people injured, bystander shootings, bystanders’ injuries and things like that, so it is a disturbing trend.”

The timing of two of the shootings has also drawn attention, as they occurred on Friday, which was recognized as the National Day Against Gun Violence.