A deadly shooting in Maple Ridge has reignited debate over B.C.’s public safety policies. The BC Conservative MLA for Maple Ridge East is criticizing the province’s approach to crime following a murder earlier this week. Lawrence Mok spoke Friday, August 15, calling the latest incident a sign that gang violence is worsening under Premier David Eby’s leadership. He described current policies as “failed public safety measures” that allow criminals to act without fear.
The victim, a man in his mid-20s, was found shot in a vehicle at a service station lot at 240 Street and Dewdney Trunk Road in the early hours of August 13. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed the shooting occurred near 246 Street and 124th Avenue before the vehicle ended up at the gas station.
“This is not an isolated event,” Mok said. “It reflects a troubling pattern of targeted shootings, gang activity, and organized crime operating openly in our communities. Residents are tired of empty promises while criminals treat our streets as their battlegrounds.” IHIT has not yet confirmed whether the shooting was gang-related or targeted.
The Conservative party is pushing for stronger measures to address gang violence. Their proposals include stricter enforcement to dismantle organized crime networks, designating violent gangs as terrorist organizations to allow asset seizures, financial disruption, and greater investigative powers, and ending catch-and-release bail policies that let violent repeat offenders return to the streets. Mok emphasized that under the current government, criminals “know they can act with near impunity” and urged proactive action to protect communities from organized crime.
Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, responded to the criticism, affirming that gang violence will not be tolerated. She stressed that fighting organized crime requires collaboration across all government levels. “At a provincial level, we actively support our police,” Krieger said. “We have made the largest investment in policing in our province’s history, allocating $230 million to hire 256 more RCMP officers.”
She also highlighted the creation of a new Integrated Gang Homicide Team, which improves intelligence sharing, strengthens investigative capacity, and enhances coordination in the Lower Mainland for both gang and non-gang-related homicides. “British Columbians can be assured that law enforcement is actively investigating this incident and working to hold those responsible accountable,” Krieger added. “Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Ridge Meadows RCMP.”
The Maple Ridge shooting has intensified concerns over public safety in B.C. Residents and politicians alike are debating whether current policies adequately address the rise in gang-related crimes. While opposition voices call for stricter enforcement and legal measures, the provincial government emphasizes support for policing and intelligence-led initiatives to combat organized crime. With B.C. communities closely watching developments, authorities continue to investigate the incident while exploring ways to prevent similar violence in the future.
