Published 3:18 pm Thursday, August 13, 2026 By William Koblensky Varela Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Service A Rankin Inlet man faces three firearm charges after sounds of gunshots were reported to the RCMP on Aug. 9. Police responded to reports of gunshots at 8:30 a.m., and they found a man carrying a gun in a residence. “To ensure public safety, RCMP officers established containment around the residence and maintained communication,” the Mounties stated in an Aug. 13 news release. Three hours and 15 minutes later, the suspect voluntarily left the house and gave himself up to police without incident. Brian Airut is charged with intentionally discharging a firearm recklessly, using a a firearm without reasonable precaution and storing a loaded firearm contravening the storage or display. There were no injuries reported. Airut remains under arrest. His next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 17.
Rankin Inlet man faces firearm charges after gunshots reported
