Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Fredericton on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims of Friday’s tragic shooting.
The PM was already planning to be in the capital as part of the city’s Pride celebrations.
Trudeau left flowers at a makeshift memorial outside Fredericton police headquarters, where he also spoke to reporters.
“Obviously this is a moment to remember the two brave officers who fell in the line of duty, the other two victims, all of their families and the communities that are pulling together reflecting on this loss,” Trudeau said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his son joins #Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey in laying flowers at the memorial for two fallen officers outside the Fredericton police station. pic.twitter.com/pLDvFMogQP
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) August 12, 2018
Trudeau also met with the families of the two slain officers and members of the force during the day.
Constables Sara Burns and Robb Costello were killed in the shooting, along with Donnie Robichaud and Bobbie Lee Wright.
“I was pleased to be able to hear from family members just how extraordinary both Robb and Sara were, how they were committed to community, to service, to their country,” he said.
Emotional moments outside the #Fredericton police station when members of the public get the chance to hug and thank some of the officers including Chief Leanne Fitch. pic.twitter.com/hJeY8N6ABJ
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) August 12, 2018
Trudeau was asked by reporters what his government can do to restrict long guns — the weapon police say was used in Friday’s shooting.
“I think there are natural conversations to be had around now,” he said. “Do we need to take further steps, do we need to go a little further, and these are things that we’re talking with Canadians about, talking with experts about, and we are reflecting on it.”
But Trudeau said now is not the time to be talking about it.