At least nine people were killed in a tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Tuesday. The suspected gunman was also found dead, and several others were injured, marking one of Canada’s deadliest school attacks in decades.
Victims Found at School and Nearby Home
Authorities reported that six people were found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, with another victim dying en route to hospital. The suspected shooter was discovered in the school with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Police later confirmed two more deaths at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident. In addition, two victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while around 25 others received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries at a local medical centre.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said investigators know the identity of the shooter but have not released the name. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. “We are not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said, noting that authorities are still working to understand how the victims were connected to the suspect.
Schools Locked Down as Emergency Response Unfolds
Both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and the local elementary school were placed on lockdown following the shooting. Emergency services, including RCMP and ambulance crews, were heavily deployed to the area to ensure safety and manage the ongoing situation.
Larry Neufeld, a local member of the legislature, confirmed that resources were sent in abundance but declined to provide further details to avoid jeopardizing the safety of the operation.
National Leaders Express Condolences
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the families and friends of the victims. “I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, BC. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” he said in a social media post.
He added that the government is in close contact with local authorities to ensure the community receives support. “Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other,” Carney wrote.
Tumbler Ridge, a town located more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver near the Alberta border, has a population that makes such an attack even more shocking. The secondary school serves about 175 students in grades 7 through 12, highlighting the devastating impact on the small community.
