Bystanders ran for cover as gunshots rang out during gunfight in Vancouver

Witnesses said a gunfight erupted in the middle of downtown Vancouver late Saturday afternoon, sending people panicking and evacuating.

Vancouver police later confirmed this was a targeted shooting.

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“While evidence indicates the shooting was targeted, there are no injuries and no arrests have been made at this time.” Steve Addison said in his statement.

Officials told Postmedia reporter Kim Bolan that the target of the shooting was affiliated with the Brothers Keepers gang.

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The shooting occurred on Robson Street between Homer and Richards streets around 5:40 p.m.

Mayor Ken Shim, who was in the area to attend a concert, later arrived at the scene to receive a briefing from police.

“There was an incident here. Public safety was put at risk. I have nothing more to say at this time,” Sim said.

Bullet holes and broken glass can be seen on a black SUV after police shut down part of Robson Street following a targeted shooting in Vancouver on Saturday, March. 30th, 2024. Photo credit: Ethan Cairns /canadian press

One witness who called 911 said dozens of people rushed into the IGA after gunshots rang out. He said a white car pulled up behind a black SUV in an alley next to the Hilton Vancouver Downtown hotel. At least two people exited a white vehicle and fired shots at the SUV, then returned to their vehicles and fled into an alley.

Witnesses said a dog in the SUV was hit.

According to witnesses, during the shooting, the black SUV ran out of the alley and collided with a white SUV traveling along Robson.

photograph — A Vancouver police officer walks past a black SUV surrounded by evidence cones after blocking a portion of Robson Street following a targeted shooting in Vancouver on Saturday, March. 30th, 2024. Photo credit: Ethan Cairns /canadian press

Another witness said the woman was crying as firefighters responded to the incident. Witnesses said they had just come out of the central library and saw people running in all directions. A cyclist abandoned his bicycle in the middle of the road.

An employee at a nearby liquor store said he heard several gunshots. Some ran into stores to hide.

As the black SUV was being towed away about three hours later, images taken by a Canadian Press photographer showed what appeared to be several bullet holes in the passenger side window.

Later in the evening, as soccer fans flooded Robson Street after a Whitecaps game at BC Place Stadium, workers were seen climbing into the side of a Tim Hortons with broken windows.