A mass shooting at a high school in the Canadian province of British Columbia has left at least 10 people dead, including the suspected attacker.
The shooting at the secondary school in the small town of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia left eight dead including a woman whom police believe to be the shooter, while two more people were found dead at a nearby home.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said more than 25 people are injured, including two who were airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries, after the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
The RCMP said the incident involved an “active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School” in British Columbia, and that “an individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury.” It added that all remaining students and staff were safely evacuated from the school.
RCMP Northern District Commander, Ken Floyd told reporters that investigators had identified a female suspect but would not release a name. A public alert described the shooter as a female in a dress with brown hair.
Police also remain tight-lipped about the age of the victims and the weapons used in the attack, citing privacy concerns and an ongoing investigation by the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit.
The RCMP said officers were searching other homes and properties in the community to see if there were additional sites connected to the incident.
Floyd also told reporters that the shooter’s motive remained unclear. He added that police are still investigating how the victims are connected to the shooter.
“We are not in a place now to be able to understand why and what may have motivated this tragedy.
“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders and community played a critical role in our response.”
Ken Floyd
Canada’s government has responded to previous mass shootings with gun control measures, including a recently broadened ban on all guns it considers assault weapons.
Canada has stricter gun ownership laws than its neighbour, the United States, but a string of mass shootings in recent years has prompted calls for tougher control measures.
The latest mass shooting is Canada’s deadliest rampage since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that left another nine dead.
Shooting Incident Bemoaned
Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney said in a statement on social media that he was devastated by the shooting in Tumbler Ridge.
“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens…The Government of Canada stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy.”
Mark Carney
Carney’s office said he is suspending a planned trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia and Munich, Germany. He was set to announce a long-awaited defense industrial strategy in Halifax today before heading to Europe for the Munich Security Conference.
David Eby, the British Columbia Premier, described the attack as an “unimaginable tragedy” and said the government would “ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days.” “Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones,” Eby said.
Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said on social media that he was “devastated to hear of the many innocent people murdered and injured.”
Ice hockey team, The Vancouver Canucks, shared a statement of support following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge. “With heavy hearts and our deepest sympathies, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones who lost someone dear during [Tuesday]’s tragic event,” it said.
The ice hockey team from British Columbia’s capital city added in the statement shared on social media, “We also send out love, strength and support to those who were injured or deeply affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
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