At least nine people are dead following a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northern British Columbia. The suspected gunman was also found dead, and dozens more were injured in one of the deadliest school shootings Canada has seen in decades.
Victims Found Inside School and Nearby Home
Royal Canadian Mounted Police said six victims were discovered inside the school. Another person died while being transported to hospital. The suspected shooter was located in the building with what officers described as a self-inflicted injury.
Police said two additional bodies were later found at a residence in Tumbler Ridge believed to be connected to the incident. In total, nine victims have been confirmed dead.
Two people were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Around 25 others were treated at a local medical centre for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Superintendent Ken Floyd said investigators have identified the suspected shooter but are not releasing a name at this time. Authorities are still trying to determine what led to the violence and how the victims were connected to the suspect.
“We are not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said.
Lockdowns and Heavy Emergency Response
As news of the shooting spread, both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary were placed under lockdown and secure-and-hold procedures.
Larry Neufeld, the member of the legislature for Peace River South, said significant emergency resources were deployed to the community, including RCMP officers and ambulance crews. Officials limited the release of details while the situation was unfolding to avoid compromising safety.
School shootings are rare in Canada, making the tragedy especially shocking for the tight-knit town of Tumbler Ridge, located more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver near the Alberta border. The secondary school serves approximately 175 students in grades 7 through 12.
National Leaders Offer Condolences
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed sorrow over the violence, offering condolences to the families and friends of those killed.
He said the federal government is in close contact with provincial counterparts to ensure the community receives the support it needs in the aftermath of the attack.
“I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, BC. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones,” he wrote in a statement posted on social media.
He added that the country’s strength lies in its ability to come together during moments of crisis, pointing to compassion and unity as the community begins to grieve.
