‘Unfolding incident’ prompts Kamloops Law Court evacuation

Earlier this morning, minutes before the court was scheduled to be in session, the Kamloops Law Courts were evacuated for reasons unknown.

At 9:15 a.m., members of the public and courthouse staff alike were promptly escorted out of the building by officers from the sheriff’s office and the RCMP. Individuals were requested to make their way to various muster points in the rear parking lot of the courthouse before being asked, minutes later, to move “as far away from the [building] as possible.”

Around fifteen minutes later, roughly a dozen police cruisers and sheriff vehicles could be seen at the entrances and exits of the parking lot, including the main entrance on Columbia Street, after which officers were witnessed escorting judges from the building.

Throughout the ordeal, RCMP K-9 units could be seen entering and exiting the building, while others appeared to be inspecting vehicles in the parking lots around the courthouse.

According to an RCMP officer on the scene, the courthouse is expected to be closed for the remainder of the day, though the Omega could not confirm if this is still the case. In the meantime, the public is also being asked to stay away from the area.

When reached for comment, Const. Sofie Winkles of the Kamloops RCMP told the Omega that the event was an “unfolding incident” and that the “courthouse was evacuated out of an abundance of caution,” but could not offer further details at this time.

The Omega will update this story as new information becomes available.