Lillooet Bridge River Band attack leaves 4 people still in hospital

Four people remainin hospital following an attack at the Bridge River Band Office near Lillooet, B.C., yesterday that ended with the death of the suspect.

Two patients remain in critical condition, one is in serious condition and one is dealing with non-life-threatening injuries, according to B.C.'s Interior Health Authority.

Seven victims have already been released from hospital.

Lillooet RCMP say the man entered the band office with weapons just before 8:30 a.m. PT Wednesday and assaulted staff. Police have not confirmed any other details about the attack.

According to unconfirmed reports from members of the close-knit community who have spoken to the CBC, the man attacked one person with a hammer, and when others in the office went to help, they were also beaten.

RCMP officers whofirst arrived at the band office found the suspect restrained, unconscious and unresponsive, and despite performing CPR, the man died.

The coroner has not released the identity of the dead suspect.

British Columbia's independent police watchdog, the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO), has been called in toinvestigate the suspect's death.

Time for healing

Bridge River Band Chief Susan James said the community must now find its centre sohealing can begin.

On Wednesday night, band members gathered around a fire, drumming and singing, toprepare for the coroner to remove the suspect'sbody.

James said band members can't comprehend the motive behind the attack, but are grateful because the tragedy could have been worse.

All the people injured in the incident were longtime employees of the band, she said.