Shooting at Africville reunion: still no arrests made

Four days have passed since two gunmen opened fire on a crowd of men, women and children at the annual Africville reunion. Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made.

“It’s very concerning and troubling,” said Nova Scotia Justice Minister Barbara Adams. “We trust our police forces to do the best they can, which is to investigate these crimes.”

Police have not yet released any updates on the investigation, leaving the community fearful and uneasy.

“I am so shocked that this happened at the reunion in Africville, and that this happened to people who were just trying to reminisce, have fun, enjoy themselves, and that this could disrupt such a joyous occasion,” said Juanita Peters, director of the Africville Museum.

The incident happened Saturday night when shots were fired, hitting five people, including a teenager who remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Tents and supplies left behind in Africville Park in Halifax after a shooting on July 27, 2024. (Paul DeWitt/CTV Atlantic)

Adams said she urges anyone with information about the incident to contact police.

“There will always be concerns about public safety if someone has a gun that they shouldn’t have and uses it to commit a crime,” she said.

On Monday, people in the community told CTV News that some may not return to the reunion next year. Some also said they believe people at the event know who fired the shots.

In response, the community held its first counseling session on Tuesday with the aim of helping people cope with the emotional aftermath.

“People are now getting exactly what they need to heal,” Peters said.

There is another counseling session planned, especially for young people, on Thursday evening.

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