Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia – A shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a related incident at a local residence has left ten people dead, including the suspected shooter, and more than twenty-five injured, authorities confirmed on . The remote community of approximately 2,400 people in northern British Columbia is reeling from the tragedy.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1:20 PM Pacific Time on . Police arrived on scene within two minutes, according to British Columbia premier David Eby. Six victims were discovered deceased inside the school itself. A seventh person died while being transported to a hospital. Two further fatalities were found at a residence believed to be connected to the shooting, police stated.
The suspected shooter was also found dead, apparently as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have identified the shooter but are withholding details pending the ongoing investigation. Superintendent Ken Floyd of the RCMP North District Commander confirmed the shooter’s identity is known, but declined to release it publicly.
In addition to the fatalities, approximately 25 individuals are being treated for injuries. Two were airlifted to area hospitals with serious or life-threatening conditions, while the remaining twenty-three were assessed and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local medical centre.
“The police are conducting additional searches at other homes and properties to determine if anyone else is injured or connected to today’s events,” a police statement read. An emergency alert issued earlier in the day, urging residents to shelter in place, was lifted at 5:45 PM local time.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which serves students in grades 7 through 12, and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School will remain closed for the remainder of the week. The school district announced the closures in a statement posted on its website.
The remote location of Tumbler Ridge, situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains approximately 1,155 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, presents logistical challenges for investigators and emergency responders. The town’s isolation underscores the shock and vulnerability felt by the community.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation at the news, stating he “stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy.” Carney has cancelled his planned trip to the Munich Security Conference in Germany in response to the shooting.
British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety, Nina Krieger, stated on social media that her thoughts were with the people of Tumbler Ridge. “I spoke with the mayor and local MLA, and we are offering the RCMP any additional assistance they need,” Krieger said.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Investigators are working to determine the relationships between the victims and the shooter, but have not yet released any information regarding a potential cause.
A Grade 9 student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School told Global News that students were forced to hide in a classroom closet, unsure of what was happening. This account highlights the fear and confusion experienced by those inside the school during the attack.
The incident raises questions about school safety and access to firearms in Canada, although Canadian gun control laws are significantly stricter than those in the United States. The shooting is likely to reignite debate over existing regulations and potential reforms.
The RCMP has not released further details about the weapon or weapons used in the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This tragedy marks one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history, and is certain to have a lasting impact on the small community of Tumbler Ridge and the province of British Columbia. The focus now shifts to supporting the victims, their families, and the wider community as they begin to cope with this devastating loss.
