A peaceful community in northern British Columbia was shaken on Tuesday when a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School left at least nine people dead. The suspected shooter was also found dead, and several others were injured in one of Canada’s deadliest school attacks in decades.
Multiple Victims Found at School and Nearby Home
Authorities reported six people were killed inside the school, while another victim died en route to the hospital. The suspected shooter was discovered at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Two additional victims were later found at a residence in Tumbler Ridge believed to be linked to the shooting. About 25 others received treatment at a local medical center for injuries that were not life-threatening. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed that the shooter’s identity is known but has not been released, and the motive remains unclear.
“We are not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said, adding that investigators are still examining how the victims were connected to the suspect.
Schools Locked Down and Emergency Response Deployed
Both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and the nearby elementary school were placed on lockdown after the shooting. Local authorities deployed significant resources, including RCMP and ambulance teams, to secure the area and assist the community. Some details were withheld to avoid compromising ongoing investigations.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote town more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver near the Alberta border, has roughly 175 students in grades 7 through 12 at its secondary school. School shootings are extremely rare in Canada, making the attack particularly shocking for the community.
National Leaders Offer Condolences and Support
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sympathy for the families affected and emphasized the government’s support for the town. “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.
He added that Canadians’ empathy and unity are crucial in times of crisis, highlighting the country’s strength in coming together to support one another during tragedies.
