A candlelight vigil was held on Saturday, Sept. 7, for Hoss Lightning-Saddleback.
Lightning-Saddleback, 15, was shot by police after calling 911 for help on Aug. 30.
Approximately 125 people gathered in at the location where the teenager was shot in Wetaskiwin.
Those gathered honoured Lightning-Saddleback with songs, candles, flowers and stuffed animals. At dusk, candles were lit for the vigil. Lightning-Saddleback was reported missing in early August.
Weeks later, on Aug. 30, in the early morning hours, the 15-year-old resident of Samson Cree Nation called the police, fearing for his life. According to a RCMP release, the individual was in possession of several weapons, which officers confiscated. A confrontation then occurred which resulted in two officers discharging their service firearms and the individual being struck.
Officers reportedly transitioned to life-saving measures, giving first aid, and EMS was called. EMS transported Lightning-Saddleback to the hospital however he later died at the hospital.
The director of law enforcement was then notified, causing the deployment of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to oversee the investigation. The RCMP will be providing full support to the ASIRT investigators, noted the release. Independent of ASIRT’s investigation, the RCMP’s review processes have been launched to gather a full account of what took place during the incident, including police training, policy, and response.
The incident has rocked the community, leaving many wondering about the safety of area residents. The vigil was a peaceful way for residents to show their sympathies and to honour the life of Lightning-Saddleback.
