Sanderson had injuries that did not appear to be self-inflicted, Blackmore said.
Myles Sanderson, Damien’s brother, may be injured and seek medical attention, Blackmore added. “Even though he’s injured, that doesn’t mean he’s not still dangerous.”
Blackmore said Myles had a lengthy criminal record involving both crimes against the person and property and she told the public not to approach him if he was seen.
Authorities said earlier the suspects allegedly traveled in a black Nissan Rogue with Saskatchewan license plate 119 MPI, while noting it was unclear whether they were able to switch vehicles. The vehicle was seen in Regina with two people inside.
Myles Sanderson has been charged with first degree murder, attempted murder and breaking and entering a residence, the RCMP announced Monday.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, tragedies like these have become all too common,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday. “We will do what we always do in difficult and anxious times, we will be there for each other, we will be there for our neighbours, we will lean on each other, we will help mourn and heal.”
Trudeau said he called on leaders of James Smith’s Cree Nation to offer federal resources. The Prime Minister said the flags on federal buildings and the Peace Tower in Ottawa will be flown at half-mast.
“This is certainly a very significant event, if not the largest we have seen in recent years,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said.
Some victims were apparently targeted while others may have been randomly attacked, police said.
Authorities are urging people in the area to be vigilant and take precautions, including sheltering in place in some communities.
As the manhunt continues, here’s what we know:
How did the attacks take place?
Police received the first report of a James Smith Cree Nation stabbing at 5:40 a.m. local time (6:40 a.m. ET), and within minutes several more calls came in reporting more stabbings stabbing in the community, police said.
Within hours, the situation escalated into a mass stabbing event with at least 25 victims, 10 of whom died, police said.
Three STARS Air Ambulance helicopters were dispatched to James Smith’s Cree Nation during the attack, company spokesman Mark Oddan told CNN. The first crew to arrive jumped into casualty triage and the second plane brought in a medic to help with triage and lead the emergency response, he said.
Helicopter crews took some victims to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon and several other patients were brought to local hospitals by land ambulances, Oddan said. He was unable to provide details about the patients or their conditions.
Several dangerous person alerts were issued by police throughout the morning, spreading across the province of Saskatchewan and neighboring Manitoba and Alberta.
“To everyone in Saskatchewan, especially those near the James Smith Cree First Nation area, please shelter in place and stay safe,” he tweeted.
Authorities have identified 13 separate scenes where the attacks took place. There may be other victims who were injured and taken to hospital, police said, urging potential victims to contact law enforcement.
“Our hearts go out to the many deceased and injured victims, their families, friends and communities. It is horrific what happened in our province today,” Blackmore said.
Who are the suspects?
Less than three hours after the first attack was reported, police identified Damian Sanderson and Myles Sanderson as suspects in the stabbings.
Myles Sanderson, 30, is 6-foot-1 and weighs 240 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, police said.
The vehicle he was in was reportedly spotted around 11:45 a.m. in Regina, police said. Regina is over 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of the James Smith Cree Nation.
Regina Police Chief Evan Bray said Monday afternoon, “We are still operating under the impression that Myles is in this community.”
The vehicle has not been found, he said.
What was the response from officials?
The attacks have shaken Canadian residents and officials.
“There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence. All of Saskatchewan mourns with the victims and their families,” Moe wrote.
RCMP in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba are jointly investigating the stabbings.
“We are devoting maximum resources to this investigation,” Blackmore said.
Two emergency centers have been set up to “provide health support” to affected communities, leaders of the James Smith Cree Nation said in a statement.
“The Club operates a centralized command (centre) on matchday which allows immediate connection to local emergency services and the ability to receive up-to-the-minute information in the event of an emergency,” the team said in a statement. communicated on Twitter.
CNN’s Paula Newton, Amy Simonson, Amir Vera, Tanika Gray and Jennifer contributed to this report.