A five-year-old boy was killed early Monday morning in a drive-by shooting on the Samson Cree First Nation in Alberta.

The boy was identified by The Edmonton Journal as Ethan Yellowbird. He was the grandson of Chief Marvin Yellowbird.

“At this time, we’re more concerned about the immediate family. It is a tragic day today for the Yellowbird family, as well as the community,” Yellowbird said at a press conference, the paper reported.

Yellowbird acknowledged that gang activity may have played a role in the shooting. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police says about six gangs operate on the reserve.

“We are working with the community, chief and council to find those responsible for this shooting,” RCMP Supt. Curtis Zablocki said, the paper reported.

Get the Story:
Five-year-old grandson of chief killed in Hobbema shooting (The Edmonton Journal 7/12)
Boy, 5, fatally shot at Hobbema, Alta., reserve (CBC 7/11)