Lori Bowcock was shot in the neck Tuesday by Andrew Michael Crews of Seattle during her shift at the Peace Arch border crossing. Crews then turned the gun on himself. A motive for the shooting has yet to be determined.
Photograph by: submitted , for Surrey NOW
The family of Lori Bowcock, the border guard shot in Tuesday's Peace Arch shooting, broke their silence Thursday in a statement to members of the media.
Grateful that Lori is still alive, the family reports she is doing well and that her outlook remains positive, with her sense of humour shining through as she makes what is expected to be a full recovery.
"Since Tuesday's events, we have experienced every possible emotion," reads the statement. "We would like to thank the first responders, including her co-workers, the emergency dispatchers, BC Ambulance Service, RCMP and the emergency and trauma team at Royal Columbian Hospital."
According to the family, Bowcock had always expressed a desire for a career in law enforcement and public safety, having worked as a 911 operator in London, Ont. for the first few years of her career. After a few years of that, Bowcock decided she would pursue a position as a border services officer and was assigned to the Peace Arch border crossing in July of this year.
Following the shooting, the family says Bowcock's immediate concern was for the safety of her fellow officers and the public. Upon learning of what happened, the family says Bowcock also felt for the family of her shooter, Andrew Michael Crews of Seattle.
"Lori acknowledges how difficult this time must be for the family and friends of Andrew Crews," writes the family. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
As for the support Bowcock and her family have received since the shooting, the family says it is thankful for public's kindness.
"We are grateful for the outpouring of cards, flowers, and letters of support from Lori's colleagues and other agencies including Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, the Laval Police, Lori's former colleagues at the Ontario Provincial Police, the United States Customs and Border Protection, Washington governor Christine O'Grady Gregoire, the United States Consulate, and many others," writes the family. "Lori has read each of these messages of support and is deeply moved by the thoughtfulness and care expressed."
