At least ten people, including the suspected shooter, were killed and about 25 others injured in a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia’s Peace region in Canada.
According to GlobalNews, the incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which serves students from Grades 7 through 12. Responding to reports of gunfire, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued an emergency alert warning of an active shooter in the area.
Police said officers entering the school discovered six victims dead inside the building. Two additional victims were located at another site, while another victim died while being transported to hospital. An individual believed to be the shooter was also found dead, with authorities indicating the injury appeared to be self-inflicted.
RCMP confirmed there were multiple victims but did not release specific details regarding the identities of those killed or injured. Supt. Ken Floyd, North District Commander, said the suspected shooter had been identified but that their name would not be made public at this stage of the investigation. He declined to specify how many of the victims were students or adults and did not disclose information about the weapon or weapons used.
GlobalNews reported that two injured individuals were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Approximately 25 others were assessed and treated at a local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was initially described as a female wearing a dress with brown hair.
Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the “horrific shooting.” In a social media statement, Carney said he joined Canadians in grieving with families whose lives had been “changed irreversibly” and expressed gratitude to first responders for their courage and selflessness.
“Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other,” Carney said.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced that Carney would cancel his planned trip to the Munich Security Conference following the tragedy.
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the shooting as an “unimaginable tragedy.”
Tumbler Ridge is a remote town with a population of approximately 2,400 people, located more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver near the Alberta border. Provincial data lists Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as having around 175 students.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the motive behind the attack.
