Abbotsford: Punjabi singer and actor Ammy Virk escaped without injury after gunfire erupted near his vehicle following a concert in Abbotsford, Canada, on Saturday night. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan in which he was travelling was struck by multiple bullets, but all four people inside the vehicle remained safe.
The shooting took place at approximately 11 pm, shortly after Virk left the venue where he had performed. The vehicle was travelling near the intersection of McCallum Road and South Fraser Way when unidentified individuals reportedly opened fire.
While early information indicated that a car had come under attack, concert organisers subsequently confirmed that Virk was among the occupants of the targeted vehicle.
Rear windshield suffers major damage
According to the information available, between seven and 10 shots were fired during the incident. At least seven bullets hit the Rolls-Royce, with the rear windshield sustaining the most visible damage.
Despite the intensity of the attack, none of the occupants was injured. The vehicle’s heavily built passenger compartment reportedly prevented the bullets from reaching those inside.
The singer had reportedly just departed from the concert venue when the shooting occurred, turning what had been a routine post-show departure into a serious security incident.
Suspected SUV later found on fire
Police subsequently located a burned SUV near Sunnyside Place, roughly five kilometres from the location of the shooting. Investigators suspect the vehicle may have been used in connection with the attack.
Canadian police have confirmed that both incidents—the shooting and the burning of the vehicle—are part of the same investigation. Authorities, however, have not revealed who they believe was the intended target, citing privacy concerns.
One of the other occupants of the Rolls-Royce was reportedly a Surrey resident who had previously survived three attempts on his life. Investigators are likely to examine this background as they work to determine whether the shooting was a targeted attack.
Punjabi entertainment industry concerned
The incident has triggered fresh concern among members of the Punjabi music and film fraternity, particularly because several prominent artists regularly travel to Canada for concerts and events.
The shooting also brings back memories of the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, whose death had sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the wider Punjabi community.
Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind Saturday night’s shooting and are expected to examine available surveillance footage, forensic evidence and other leads. For the moment, Virk and the other people travelling with him are safe, while the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
