B.C.’s extortion task force probes a Surrey shooting at Swift Radio 1200 AM, raising community fears amid rising gun violence.
B.C. Task Force Investigates Shooting at Surrey Radio Station
Shots Fired at Surrey Media Outlet
A South Asian radio station in Surrey came under gunfire overnight Monday, September 29, prompting a province-wide task force on extortion to take over the investigation. Swift Radio 1200 AM, located in the 13000-block of 76 Avenue in Newton, confirmed the attack in a statement on X, noting that bullets struck the station’s main entrance.
Police Response and Evidence Gathering
Surrey Police Service officers arrived at the business late Tuesday morning after the incident was reported. Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton confirmed that multiple shots had been fired at the entrance door, though no one was injured. Officers remained at the scene to collect both physical and digital evidence.
Growing Concerns in the Community
The shooting occurred just one day after Surrey Police Chief Const. Norm Lipinski appeared on Swift Radio to discuss rising extortion threats in the community. During the broadcast, he urged residents to report any attempts at intimidation and stressed never to pay extortion demands. “The community is on edge,” Lipinski said, adding that investigations are being advanced aggressively.
Task Force Takes Lead in Probe
The new Provincial Extortion Task Force, announced September 17, will lead the investigation. The RCMP-led unit was established to address a wave of extortion cases targeting South Asian businesses across B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger described it as a “comprehensive and coordinated approach” with more than 40 officers drawn from police agencies across the province.
Rising Wave of Gunfire Cases
Houghton confirmed that Surrey has recorded 48 extortion-related incidents this year, including 29 involving shots fired. “This one certainly adds to that number,” he told reporters, warning it was only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. Recent similar cases have been reported in Maple Ridge, Langley, and Abbotsford, pointing to a broader regional pattern.
Political Reactions and Community Response
Local politicians quickly condemned the attack. Conservative MLAs Mandeep Dhaliwal and Harman Bhangu criticized the provincial government for what they described as failures in public safety. Independent MLA Elenore Sturko noted that Surrey has already seen more than 50 shootings this year. Swift Radio, which broadcasts in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, pledged to continue its role as a platform for community voices despite the threats.
Call for Public Assistance
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near 13000-block 76 Avenue between 8 p.m. September 29 and 6 a.m. September 30 to contact investigators. Tips can be reported to Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502, the Surrey Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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