G4S speaks for the first time on U of A shooting

EDMONTON - CEO and President of G4S Cash Solutions Jean Tallion spoke Monday for the first time on the ill-fated events that left three G4S members dead and one critically injured.

“I cannot begin to describe the shock and grief the G4S family is still feeling after the tragic event on Friday,” he said.

He sent out condolences to the families and friends of the victims, one of whom is still in hospital in critical condition, but is improving according to EPS Superintendent Bob Hassel.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with their family and friends and we will do everything we can to help and support these families through difficult times,” said Tallion.

“Our thoughts are also with the Baumgartner family."

Travis Baumgartner, believed to be the lone person responsible for the fatal shootings and robbery, is being held in Langly, B.C. following his arrest by U.S. border officers at Lynden, Washington on Saturday.

Police said he will be held in remand for up to six days, but they are hoping he will be in Edmonton by Wednesday.

Upon his arrival in Edmonton, Baumgartner will appear before a provincial court judge where he will be formally charged with three counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder and four counts of armed robbery.

Hassel said Baumgartner is cooperating with the investigation, but couldn't say more to protect the integrity of the investigation.

The firearm and body armour Baumgartner had on him during the Friday night incident are still missing.

EPS said they had approximately 200 members assigned to this case in roughly over a 48 hour period, including homicide investigators, drug and gang enforcement teams, tactical teams and canine teams.

"Many thousands of man hours and women hours have gone into this case since it began just after midnight on Friday morning,” said Police Chief Rod Knecht.

“The tragic nature of the crime scene has been a challenge for some of our staff and we look to providing them with support and counseling in the weeks to come.”

According to Tallion, G4S is working closely with the Edmonton Police and has also flown in its own security experts to conduct an internal investigation to see what can be learned from this incident.

“Our focus remains on supporting the continuing investigations, our employees here in Edmonton, and the victims' families,” Tallion said.

He added that a fund has been setup to support the victims’ families and donations can be made at any TD Branch.

More fund information can be found at the G4S website.

Watch video of Monday's news conference here: