Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia – A mass shooting in the remote northeastern British Columbia town of Tumbler Ridge has left ten people dead, including the perpetrator, and twenty-seven others injured, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The attacks unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a private residence, plunging the community of approximately 2,400 into mourning and triggering a large-scale police response.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) first received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1:20 p.m. Pacific Time. An emergency alert was issued shortly after 2:15 p.m., urging residents to shelter in place. The alert was lifted at 5:45 p.m. As police secured the area and determined there were no further suspects at large.
According to RCMP reports, six victims were found deceased inside the school. A seventh person died while being transported to a hospital. Two additional fatalities were discovered at a residence believed to be connected to the shooting. Two individuals were airlifted to area hospitals with serious, life-threatening injuries, while approximately 25 others were treated at a local medical centre for non-life-threatening wounds.
The suspected shooter was found dead within the school, succumbing to what police described as a self-inflicted injury. Authorities have identified the shooter as a female, but have not yet released her name, citing the ongoing investigation. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd stated that the motive for the attack remains unclear and that investigators are working to determine the relationships between the shooter and the victims.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which serves students in Grades 7 through 12, was placed on lockdown alongside Tumbler Ridge Elementary School as a precautionary measure. Both schools have been closed for the remainder of the week, according to the Peace River South School District. The secondary school has a student population of 175.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from political leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the suspension of a planned trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Munich, Germany, to address the tragedy. “I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.,” Carney said in a statement posted to social media. “My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby also expressed his condolences, stating, “Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones. Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy.” Eby wrote on social media.
Larry Neufeld, the member of the legislative assembly for Peace River South, reported that an “excess” of resources, including RCMP and ambulance support, had been deployed to the community. He refrained from providing further details to avoid potentially compromising the ongoing operation.
This shooting marks the deadliest school shooting in Canada since the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, where fourteen women were killed. While Canada has stricter gun control laws than the United States, mass shootings remain a rare but devastating occurrence. The incident is likely to reignite debate over gun control policies and mental health support within the country.
The remote location of Tumbler Ridge, situated approximately 176 kilometres northeast of Prince George, presents logistical challenges for investigators and support services. The town’s small size and close-knit community mean the impact of this tragedy will be deeply felt for years to come. The RCMP Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation, and authorities have not provided a timeline for the release of further information.
As the community grapples with this immense loss, the focus remains on providing support to the victims, their families, and the wider Tumbler Ridge population. The Canadian government has pledged to offer all necessary resources to assist in the recovery process.
