A small town 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, marking one of the deadliest school attacks in Canada in decades.
Devastating Losses Inside School and Nearby Home
Police confirmed that six victims were found inside the school, while another person died en route to the hospital. The suspected gunman was discovered at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Two additional victims were found at a nearby residence connected to the shooting. About 25 people received treatment for injuries that were not life-threatening. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said authorities know the identity of the shooter but are not releasing it, 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 the connection between the victims and the shooter.
Schools on Lockdown as Emergency Crews Respond
Following the incident, both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and the nearby elementary school were placed on lockdown. A significant number of emergency responders, including RCMP and paramedics, were deployed to the community to manage the situation and support residents. Details were limited to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
Tumbler Ridge is a remote town located over 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver, near the Alberta border. The secondary school serves roughly 175 students from grades 7 through 12.
National Leaders Offer Condolences
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow, offering condolences to the families and friends of those affected. “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,” he said, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion in times of crisis.
School shootings remain rare in Canada, making this tragedy particularly shocking for both the local community and the nation as a whole.
