Surrey Radio Station Shooting Targets Broadcaster: Investigation Underway as Tensions Rise
Gunfire erupted outside a Surrey radio station early Tuesday morning, shattering the pre-dawn quiet and marking what appears to be a targeted attack against the broadcaster. The shooting, which occurred at approximately 4:15 AM, left bullet holes visible in the station’s exterior but fortunately resulted in no injuries to staff.
RCMP officers responded swiftly to the scene, cordoning off the area with yellow police tape as forensic teams combed through evidence. Investigators recovered multiple shell casings from the parking lot, confirming suspicions that this was no random act of violence.
“This appears to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate journalists who are simply doing their job,” said Staff Sergeant Maya Collins of the Surrey RCMP. “We’re treating this with the utmost seriousness and dedicating significant resources to identifying those responsible.”
The targeted station has been at the center of community discussions surrounding gang violence and organized crime in recent months. Several hosts have received threats after airing investigative segments about criminal activities in the Lower Mainland, raising questions about whether this attack represents retaliation for their reporting.
“Journalism should never be met with violence,” said station manager Hardeep Gill. “Our team remains committed to providing our listeners with honest, factual reporting despite these intimidation tactics.”
This incident occurs against a backdrop of rising concerns about press freedom in Canada. According to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists, threats against media outlets have increased 27% nationwide over the past three years, with community-based stations often facing the most direct intimidation.
Surrey Mayor Anita Cheema condemned the attack in the strongest terms. “An attack on our media is an attack on our democratic values,” she stated during an emergency press conference. “We will not tolerate violence against those who keep our community informed.”
Police are reviewing security footage from surrounding businesses and have called for witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity in the area to come forward. The investigation continues to determine whether the shooting is connected to specific broadcasts or represents a broader threat to media organizations.
Community leaders have organized a solidarity gathering outside the station planned for Thursday evening, demonstrating support for the journalists affected by this brazen act of violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists take in their pursuit of truth, particularly when reporting on sensitive issues that powerful interests would prefer remain hidden.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Surrey RCMP or Crime Stoppers immediately.
For continuing coverage of this developing story, visit CO24 Breaking News for updates as the investigation unfolds.
