At least nine people have died following a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, including the suspected shooter, while several others were injured in one of the most serious school attacks in Canada in decades.
Authorities reported six victims inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, with another person dying en route to the hospital. The suspected gunman was also found dead, apparently from a self-inflicted injury.
Victims Discovered at School and Nearby Home
Police said two additional victims were found at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident. In total, six people were confirmed dead at the school, two were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, and around 25 others received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries at a local medical center.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed that investigators know the shooter’s identity but have not released it. The motive remains unknown, and authorities are still determining how the victims were connected to the suspect.
Schools Locked Down Amid Emergency Response
Both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Elementary schools were placed on lockdown, and emergency services, including RCMP officers and ambulances, were dispatched in large numbers. Local officials withheld some details to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
Tumbler Ridge, a small town more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver near the Alberta border, has a secondary school serving around 175 students in grades 7 through 12. School shootings are rare in Canada, making this tragedy particularly shocking.
National Leaders Offer Condolences and Support
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow over the shootings, offering condolences to the families and friends affected. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the community and praised Canadians’ empathy, unity, and compassion in the face of tragedy.
“This is a devastating day for Tumbler Ridge. My prayers are with those who have lost loved ones,” Carney said in a social media post.
