Doctor killed in attack at north Red Deer medical clinic

The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is now investigating and the clinic remains closed at this time.

A witness says the victim of the attack was her family’s physician, who was not immediately identified.

Anina Mullin says she was in the lobby of the clinic with her 13-year-old daughter shortly after 11:00 a.m., waiting to be checked-in when the assault took place.

“We heard banging and then, ‘Help Me! Help Me! Call 911! Call 911!’” Mullin describes. “That was the doctor, screaming, yelling. One of the receptionists ran to the door. It was at the far end of the walk-in clinic and she came running back like she had seen a ghost, and was like, ‘Can someone help him?’”

Mullin says two larger men nearby sprang into action to assist but, came back quickly telling everyone to get out.

“So, I grabbed my teenage daughter’s hand and we just ran as fast as we could out the doors. Once we got outside, we got into the truck and waited, and she’s like, ‘Mom can we go?’, and I said no, I’m too shaken, I can’t.”

Mullin says the two larger men who had originally gone to help the doctor were standing at the clinic door, holding it shut until police arrived.

“When police arrived, the one police officer went to the door and opened the door and had his gun drawn and he yelled, ‘Put it down, put it down or I will shoot you!’” recalls Mullin. “At that time, a hammer flew at the police officer and bashed into the door and then flew outside. It was drenched in blood what you could see, like you couldn’t see any metal on it, it was just covered in blood.”

According to Mullin, the officer then ordered the suspect to ‘put down the machete’ and then went inside the clinic where he was quickly joined by other officers who brought out the suspect in handcuffs soon afterwards.

“He was wearing a hooded sweater with his hood up,” says Mullin. “He had blood all around the rim of his sleeves and large clothes. From there, the ambulances came and they all rushed in with medical bags and a stretcher and before the doctor, they also brought out the other patients I assume were in the other waiting rooms along with two other doctors and a bunch of nurses.”

After that, Mullin says the doctor was brought out on a stretcher.

“I’ve never seen anything quite as horrific as that. Just watching the doctors that were there and the other nurses, it was just unbelievable, just awful.”

Mullin describes her physician as an amazing doctor.

“It’s definitely affected my daughter, it’s hard to get out of your mind,” admits Mullin. “I don’t know if I could ever go back into that clinic. It’s awful.”

Mayor Tara Veer issued the following statement in response to the tragic event:

“A horrific tragedy resulting in a senseless loss of life occurred at the Village Mall Walk-in Clinic in Red Deer today leaving our community shocked and grieving. I wish to offer my deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, loved ones, and to the medical community in our city.

“Many citizens were on scene when this tragedy occurred, and we are concerned about the well-being of first hand witnesses, clinic staff and other bystanders at the Village Mall. City Council and I encourage anyone who may be suffering trauma and requires resources as a result of witnessing the tragedy to call the Red Deer City Victim Services at 403-406-2345 for assistance.

“I also want to offer heartfelt thanks to not only the first responders, but also to the citizens who supported at the scene. Thank you for your quick response and bravery. This was essential in preventing further harm and apprehending a suspect.

“The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is investigating further, and we expect to learn more details in the coming days. Alberta RCMP indicate there is no further risk to the public, and I want to thank citizens for their continued cooperation as RCMP continue this investigation.”

Premier Jason Kenney and Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro both tweeted Monday that they were saddened to hear about the fatal attack on the doctor.

“Can’t imagine the pain and sorrow his family and clinic staff are now going through,” Kenney said. “On behalf of all Albertans, our deepest condolences go out to them.”

Shandro said his thoughts and prayers are with all staff and patients who witnessed the attack.

Dr. Christine Molnar, president of the Alberta Medical Association, said in a statement that the organization will be reaching out to local medical staff for support.

by Troy Gillard and Sheldon Spackman

Doctor killed in attack at north Red Deer medical clinic

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