Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia – A mass shooting in the rural town of Tumbler Ridge, in northeastern British Columbia, has left at least ten people dead, including the suspect, and dozens injured, Canadian authorities confirmed on Tuesday, February 10th and Wednesday, February 11th, 2026. The incident, which unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence, is being described as one of the deadliest events of its kind in Canadian history.
Police responded to reports of an active shooting at the high school at approximately 1:20 p.m. Pacific Time. Upon arrival, officers discovered six deceased individuals within the school building. A seventh victim died while being transported to a hospital. Two additional fatalities were subsequently found at a residence believed to be connected to the shooting, bringing the total death toll to ten, including the suspect.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), approximately 25 individuals were treated for injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to profoundly serious. Two victims were airlifted to area hospitals with critical, life-threatening injuries. The RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd stated that investigators are working to determine the relationships between the victims and the shooter, but details remain scarce.
The suspect, who died from a self-inflicted injury within the school, was initially described by police as a woman with brown hair wearing a dress. While authorities have identified the suspect, their name has not yet been released to the public.
Tumbler Ridge, a small community of approximately 2,400 residents located roughly 700 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, was placed under a community-wide alert as police deployed additional resources from neighboring areas. The alert was lifted at 5:45 p.m. Local time after investigators determined there were no outstanding suspects.
The Peace River South School District had initiated lockdown and secure-and-hold protocols at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School during the incident.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation in a statement posted on X, stating he was “deeply shaken” by the news and extended his prayers and condolences to the families and friends of the victims. British Columbia Premier David Eby, speaking to the media, described the tragedy as something “you expect to happen somewhere else, not near your home.” He acknowledged the profound impact such events have on perceptions of safety, particularly concerning children at school.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Superintendent Floyd indicated that the investigation is ongoing and focused on establishing the connections between the shooter and the victims. Authorities have not yet released the ages of the deceased, pending notification of all families.
This incident marks a significant escalation in gun violence in Canada, a country with considerably stricter gun control laws than the United States. While mass shootings are less frequent in Canada, the scale of this tragedy has prompted renewed discussion about public safety and security measures. The event is likely to fuel debate over existing gun control policies and potential reforms.
The remote location of Tumbler Ridge adds another layer to the tragedy. The town, primarily reliant on resource extraction industries, is geographically isolated, making access to specialized medical care and mental health support more challenging. The long-term impact of this event on the community, already grappling with the trauma of loss, is expected to be substantial.
As of , the RCMP continues to investigate all aspects of the shooting, including the timeline of events, the suspect’s background, and the potential for any contributing factors. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
