The officers were carrying out a court-ordered property seizure. They discovered stolen property and a marijuana growing operation.
The folllowing officers were killed in action:
Const. Peter Schiemann, 25; Const. Anthony Gordon, 28; Const. Lionide Johnston, 34; Const. Brock Myrol, 29.
The shooting has shocked the peaceful region and the country of Canada. The Liberal Party of Canada has responded by agreeing to recommend tougher laws for grow-ops. Local citizens are reacting to the losses with memorials and condolences.
The rural town of Mayerthorpe, with a population of about 1,600, is located about 130km northwest of Edmonton.