The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has refuted claims of a delayed response to the fatal shooting of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, stating that its officers reached the scene within four minutes of the incident. This comes in response to a Washington Post report that suggested a delay in police arrival following the shooting at a Surrey gurdwara parking lot on June 18, involving at least six individuals and two vehicles.
The RCMP clarified that the first 911 call related to the incident was received at 8:27 p.m., and officers arrived within four minutes, with additional personnel arriving shortly thereafter. The RCMP also addressed alleged conflicts over jurisdiction, asserting that they are responsible for investigations in Surrey and that there were no delays in the initial response or subsequent investigative steps.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has since taken over the probe, and the RCMP has increased patrols around gurdwaras and temples while engaging with Sikh and Hindu communities in Surrey to enhance communication and engagement.