A mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby home in British Columbia killed 10, including the shooter, and injured 25+ in a small Canadian community.
A mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby home in British Columbia killed 10 [Photo: X]
A tragic mass shooting struck the small town of Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday, claiming the lives of 10 people, including the suspected shooter, and injuring more than 25 others. The violence unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and at a residence believed to be linked to the incident, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The remote community, located over 1,100 kilometres north of Vancouver, was thrown into turmoil in what is being described as one of Canada’s deadliest shooting incidents in recent history.
Authorities confirmed that the deadly rampage claimed the lives of 10 people, including the suspected shooter. Police found multiple victims inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and later discovered two more bodies at a nearby home that investigators believe is connected to the attack.
Officials said the suspected gunwoman died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury. The RCMP continues to investigate how the victims were connected and what led to the violence.
Police received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School around 1:20 p.m. local time. Officers rushed to the scene and initiated a public alert asking residents to shelter in place as they worked to secure the area.
During their initial search of the school, officers located multiple victims and found an individual they believe to be the gunman. The suspect was discovered deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. Inside the school, authorities found six victims dead, and two more people died while being transported to the hospital.
In addition to the victims found at the school, police identified a secondary location believed to be connected to the attack. At that nearby residence, two additional bodies were discovered, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10, including the suspected shooter.
Authorities say they do not believe there are any other suspects or ongoing threats to public safety. The emergency alert for the town was officially cancelled later in the evening.
More than 25 people were injured in the shootings, with two victims airlifted to hospitals with serious or life-threatening injuries. Others were treated at the local medical centre for a range of wounds.
Local and provincial emergency services continue to support hospitals and medical teams as they care for survivors and assess ongoing needs.
The RCMP and local leaders describe the situation as a rapidly evolving and deeply tragic event for a tight-knit community. RCMP officials stressed that their thoughts are with the families, loved ones and all those affected by the shootings.
Tumbler Ridge is a small town of roughly 2,700 residents, where the secondary school serves grades 7 through 12 and has under 200 students enrolled.
The school district issued a statement announcing that all schools in the area will remain closed for the rest of the week, and counselling resources will be provided for students, staff, and families as they process the tragedy.
Canadian leaders expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the community. Officials emphasised their support for first responders and the ongoing investigation to understand how the tragedy unfolded.
“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community,” RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said, acknowledging the cooperation of emergency responders and the public.
Across the country, Canadians reacted with grief and calls for unity, remembering the victims and offering support to their families and to the town of Tumbler Ridge as it begins the difficult process of healing.
