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New gun law spares semi-automatic rifle used in B.C. bank shooting

SKS rifle unaffected by Bill C-21 despite its use in high-profile police and civilian killings
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A gunfight between police and two brothers armed with semi-automatic rifles happened outside a Saanich bank on June 28, 2022. The two brothers, who were believed to be targeting police, died while six Greater Victoria officers who responded suffered injuries as a result of the shootout. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

When two Vancouver Island brothers entered the Bank of Montreal in Saanich two summers ago, each was armed with a semi-automatic rifle featuring an extended magazine.

It wasn’t a typical robbery as security footage showed the brothers being in no rush as they took hostage those unlucky enough to be inside the bank at the time.

Law enforcement agencies believe that was because Mathew and Isaac Auchterlonie had a specific goal in mind – to draw in a large response so they could inflict as many police casualties as possible.

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Jake Romphf

About the Author: Jake Romphf

In early 2021, I made the move from the Great Lakes to Greater Victoria with the aim of experiencing more of the country I report on.
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