At least nine people have died following a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, including the suspected gunman. Several others were injured in one of Canada’s deadliest school attacks in decades.
Multiple Victims Found at School and Nearby Home
Police said six victims were discovered inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, with another dying en route to the hospital. The suspected shooter was found dead at the scene, apparently from a self-inflicted injury.
Authorities later confirmed two additional victims at a residence believed to be connected to the incident. Around 25 others were treated at a local medical centre for injuries that were not life-threatening. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said investigators know the shooter’s identity but are not releasing it, and the motive remains unclear.
“We are not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said, adding that investigators are still examining how the victims were connected to the suspect.
Schools Locked Down as Emergency Response Deployed
Both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and the nearby elementary school were placed on lockdown. Local officials reported a significant deployment of RCMP officers and ambulance crews to secure the area and assist the community, while limiting details to protect the ongoing investigation.
Tumbler Ridge is a small town more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver, near the Alberta border. The secondary school has roughly 175 students in grades 7 through 12.
National Leaders Condemn Violence and Offer Support
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep condolences to the families and friends of those affected, emphasizing government support for the community. “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 to these horrific acts of violence,” he wrote.
He also highlighted the strength of Canadians in times of crisis, praising the country’s unity, empathy, and compassion as essential in responding to tragedy.
School shootings remain rare in Canada, making the events in Tumbler Ridge particularly devastating for residents and the nation.
