A quiet town in northern British Columbia was shattered by violence on Tuesday after a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School claimed at least nine lives. The suspected gunman was also found dead, and several others were injured in what authorities are calling one of the deadliest school attacks in Canada in decades.
Police said six victims were discovered inside the school. Another person died while being transported to hospital. The suspected shooter was located within the building with what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound.
Victims Found at School and Nearby Home
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officers entered the school shortly after reports of an active shooter. During their search, they found multiple victims as well as the deceased suspect.
Investigators later discovered two additional victims at a residence in Tumbler Ridge believed to be connected to the incident. In total, six people were confirmed dead inside the school, while two others were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Around 25 more individuals were treated at a local medical centre for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said authorities know the identity of the shooter but are not releasing the name at this time. The motive remains unknown.
“We are not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd told reporters, adding that investigators are still working to determine how the victims were connected to the suspect.
Schools Locked Down as Emergency Crews Respond
Both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary were placed under lockdown as a precaution. Emergency services, including RCMP officers and ambulance crews, were deployed in large numbers to the small community. Local officials said details were being withheld to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.
Tumbler Ridge is 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 Support and Condolences
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow in a statement, offering condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. He said the federal government is in close contact with local officials to ensure the community receives the support it needs.
He described the violence as devastating and emphasized the country’s strength in coming together during times of crisis, highlighting compassion, unity and empathy as defining qualities in the face of tragedy.
School shootings are rare in Canada, making the events in Tumbler Ridge all the more shocking for residents and the nation alike.
