Active Shooter Alert Issued in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland: Shots Fired in Downtown Area, Authorities Respond as Community on Edge and No Casualties Confirmed Yet

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – An active shooter alert has been issued in the town of Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador, following reports of shots fired near the downtown area early this morning. Local authorities have responded quickly to the scene, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the area as law enforcement works to manage the developing situation. At this time, no official word has been released regarding casualties or further details on the shooter’s identity.

Shots Fired in Downtown Grand Falls-Windsor

The incident occurred around 8:00 AM on April 6, 2025, when multiple 911 calls were made to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) reporting shots fired in the vicinity of Main Street and Central Avenue, two busy areas in the heart of the town. Witnesses described hearing several gunshots, followed by the sound of sirens as emergency services rushed to the scene.

“We were just starting our day when we heard gunshots, and then we saw police cars speeding by,” said Anna Pearce, a local business owner in the area. “It’s very unsettling. This is a small community, and something like this just doesn’t happen here.”

The downtown area, which is home to several small businesses, local shops, and restaurants, has been cordoned off by law enforcement as they conduct a thorough search of the area. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the vicinity and stay indoors while the investigation unfolds.

Law Enforcement and Emergency Response

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has deployed multiple officers to secure the area, with additional support from local emergency medical teams. The RNC’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) has also been activated, and armored vehicles have been seen arriving at the scene. Law enforcement officials are working to assess the situation, including searching for the shooter and ensuring the safety of residents.

“We are actively responding to a critical situation in downtown Grand Falls-Windsor,” said Inspector Brian Walsh, spokesperson for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. “At this time, our primary focus is on securing the area and ensuring public safety. We urge all residents to stay inside their homes and avoid the affected areas until further notice. We are also working closely with other provincial and federal agencies to investigate the situation.”

The police have not confirmed whether the shooter has been apprehended, and the identity of the shooter remains unknown. Authorities are also being tight-lipped about the number of people involved or any potential casualties, citing the ongoing investigation.

Community in Shock

Grand Falls-Windsor, a town with a population of just over 13,000 people, has largely been a quiet, close-knit community with low crime rates. News of an active shooter has sent shockwaves through the town, with residents anxiously awaiting updates from law enforcement. Many have expressed disbelief that such an event could happen in their small town.

“I just can’t believe this is happening here. I’ve lived here all my life, and nothing like this has ever occurred,” said Robert Simms, a resident of Grand Falls-Windsor. “My thoughts are with anyone who might be involved. I hope the authorities can get everything under control quickly.”

Local schools in the area, including Grand Falls-Windsor Academy and St. Paul’s High School, have gone into lockdown as a precautionary measure. The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD) confirmed the lockdowns in a statement earlier this morning, emphasizing that the safety of students and staff is their top priority.

“We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone in the affected schools,” said Geraldine Butler, Director of Operations for NLESD. “We are encouraging parents to remain calm and wait for further instructions. The schools will remain in lockdown until authorities deem it safe to lift the restriction.”

Provincial and Federal Authorities Monitoring Situation

In addition to the local law enforcement response, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are monitoring the situation. The province’s Minister of Justice and Public Safety, John Haggerty, has also issued a statement offering support to local authorities as they respond to the crisis.

“Our thoughts are with the residents of Grand Falls-Windsor as they deal with this difficult and frightening situation,” said Minister Haggerty. “We are in close contact with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and other agencies to ensure a coordinated response. Public safety is our utmost priority, and we are fully committed to resolving this situation swiftly.”

Ongoing Investigation

At this stage, authorities have not shared information about the motive behind the shooting or whether it was part of a larger attack. Investigators are reviewing footage from local surveillance cameras and interviewing witnesses in the area. Law enforcement is also exploring the possibility that the shooter may have fled the scene on foot or in a vehicle.

As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay updated through official channels, including the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s social media pages and local news outlets.

A Community in Uncertainty

With little information available at this time, the community of Grand Falls-Windsor remains in a state of uncertainty. Local businesses are closed, schools are on lockdown, and residents are left to wait for further updates. For now, the priority is ensuring the safety of the public and bringing the situation to a resolution.

“We’re all just hoping for the best right now,” said Hannah Matthews, a local shop owner. “We want to make sure everyone is safe, and we’re all waiting for the police to give us some answers.”

As of now, no fatalities have been confirmed, and the extent of any injuries remains unclear. Police continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities during this critical time.