The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) says it is still collecting information after being called to investigate a police‑involved shooting on Tobique (Neqotkuk) First Nation.

SiRT stated that the RCMP contacted them on Sunday evening and assumed responsibility for the investigation immediately. The agency said investigators are on scene.

Preliminary information suggests officers were called to a residence about a domestic disturbance, according to SiRT.

The agency said officers found a man inside who had a weapon.

SiRT said a Conductive Energy Weapon (Taser) was deployed but was ineffective, and another officer then fired their service weapon, striking the man.

He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

RCMP reported on social media Sunday just after 6:30 p.m. that officers were engaged in a “police operation” at the First Nation and asked the public to avoid the area.

Neqotkuk Chief Ross Perley and council issued a statement Sunday, announcing the death of community member Bronson Paul.

According to the statement, council is still trying to determine the circumstances that led to Paul’s death.

“We know that there was a call to 911,” the statement said. “There was no request for assistance from the police to our tribal security members, council or outreach team.”

The statement said that type of assistance has helped de-escalate similar situations in the past.

“We are unsure why lethal force was used in this case, however, Bronson is another Indigenous man who was killed in the hands of the police, along with Rodney Levi, Chantel Moore and Steven (Iggy) Dedam.”

Chantel Moore was killed by a member of the Edmundston Police Force outside her residence on June 4, 2020.

Rodney Levi was shot and killed by an RCMP officer southwest of Miramichi on June 12, 2020.

Steven Dedam was killed by a member of the RCMP at Elsipogtog First Nation on September 8, 2024.

Chief and council immediately closed the RCMP detachment in Neqotkuk “until we know that it is safe for our community members.”

Members of the community will still be able to call 911, but the statement said any police presence will require a Kinap security escort.

“We understand that our community members are angry, confused, scared and shocked,” the statement said. “We share that sentiment with all of our community members.”

Mental wellness services will be available for the foreseeable future at the Paul Pyres Building.

Youth mental health support will be available at the Tobique Youth Centre starting Monday.

Mah-Sos School, Andover Elementary, Perth-Andover Middle School and Southern Victoria High School will also have support for youth beginning Monday.