School Shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Leaves at Least Nine Dead
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia – A shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon has left at least nine people dead, including the suspected shooter, according to RCMP reports. The incident unfolded in the Peace region of British Columbia, triggering lockdowns and emergency alerts across multiple communities.
Police responded to reports of an active shooter at the school, which serves students in Grades 7 through 12, around 1:20 p.m. Local time. Upon entering the school, officers discovered six victims deceased. Two additional victims were found at another location, and a third died while being transported to a hospital. The individual believed to be the shooter was also found dead, reportedly from a self-inflicted injury.
Two other individuals were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Approximately 25 others are being assessed and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local medical centre.
The active shooter alert, initially issued by RCMP on Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. PT, was lifted at 5:46 p.m. PT. The suspect was initially described as a woman in a dress with brown hair.
“Work continues to determine whether a second suspect was involved and the total number of victims involved,” RCMP stated in an updated release.
School District 59 confirmed that both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School were placed under a “hold and secure” lockdown. Tumbler Ridge Elementary School later confirmed they could release students to their parents or guardians just after 5 p.m. PT.
Emergency services from surrounding areas, including Alberta-based STARS Air Ambulance, responded to the scene. STARS transported patients to hospitals in Edmonton, approximately 600 kilometres southeast of Tumbler Ridge.
The District of Tumbler Ridge issued a statement expressing its devastation and offering support to the community. “Our hearts are with all those affected, and we recognize that many residents may be feeling shocked, scared, and overwhelmed,” the statement read. The district acknowledged the swift response of local emergency services and stated that additional support was being deployed.
“In the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process,” the statement continued. “Please check in on one another, lean on available supports, and know that Tumbler Ridge is a strong and caring community. We will get through this together.”
Larry Neufeld, the MLA for Peace River South, stated he was returning to the riding from Victoria and had been in contact with the Solicitor General to ensure provincial resources were available to support local law enforcement and emergency responders. “Public safety is the absolute priority,” he said, urging residents to follow RCMP instructions and rely on official updates.
Tumbler Ridge, located in northeastern B.C., has a population of approximately 2,400 according to the 2021 census. The provincial government website lists Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as having 175 students from Grades 7 to 12.
Longtime resident Garret Golhof told Global News he had never witnessed anything like this in the community. He described locking his doors and learning that a care aid he knew had a granddaughter injured in the shooting.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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