Daylight Whistler shooting leaves two dead, linked to gangs

Two people are dead after a brazen daylight shooting in Whistler Village Sunday afternoon that is linked to gangs.

It happened over the noon hour in the heart of the resort town, outside the Sundial Hotel. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is taking over the case.

Whistler RCMP confirmed Sunday evening that one person died at the scene. The other victim was taken to a medical clinic, where they later died of their injuries.

The victims have been identified by IHIT as Satindera Gill and Meninder Dhaliwal. Both were known to police.

Meninder Dhaliwal (Credit: Vancouver Police)

Meninder Dhaliwal was the brother of Harpreet Dhaliwal, who was shot to death outside Cardero’s restaurant in April, 2021.

A month later, Meninder was named by police as one of many who were “connected to the current spike in violence” and posed a “significant threat” to the public.

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As homicide investigators believe this latest targeted shooting in Whistler was connected to the ongoing gang conflict in the region, they don’t believe the general public is at risk.

RCMP say two people have been arrested.

A car was found on fire on Ptarmigan Place. That vehicle is believed to be linked to the shooting.

The shooting happened “out in the open,” RCMP say, in the village centre during the busy summer tourist season.

“I thought it was fireworks — At least 10, maybe 12 shots,” described Wayne, who called CityNews moments after the 12:20 p.m. shooting near the gondola, who reported seeing two people on the ground.

“The cops all roll up. They tried CPR on one. The other guy … they weren’t working on him,” he added.

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Graphic images have been shared online, showing two people wounded by gunfire.

At 3 p.m., Whistler Blackcomb posted to social media to announce the resort was shutting down for the day.

“Out of respect for all those impacted, and our guests and team members, we will be closing for the rest of the day.”

Our teams have resumed operations temporarily to allow guests to download the mountains and leave safely. We are shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence, and we stand in support of our community.
(2/2)

— Whistler Blackcomb Operations (@wbmtnops) July 24, 2022

Shooting whistler village pic.twitter.com/48oVrNFAqR

— Perry Delaney (@Pesdel01) July 24, 2022

Businesses and hotels in the area were put on lockdown Sunday afternoon.

We’re currently locked down in our hotel in Whistler.

— Tiffany (she/her) ????????❤️???????? (@ynaffit79) July 24, 2022

@CityNewsVAN @CTVVancouver Police incident and locked down at Whistler and were instructed by staff to stay indoor. pic.twitter.com/rtremAbYrf

— Richard Cheng (@rcycheng) July 24, 2022

“Anyone who was in the area of Sundial Crescent or Blueberry Drive, where the burning vehicle was located, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. with dash camera footage is asked to contact IHIT immediately,” said Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.

Homicide investigators are also asking for associates of the victims to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

– With files from Peter Wagner