Tragedy struck a high school in northeastern British Columbia as a shooter opened fire, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including the suspected assailant. The incident unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where eight victims were found, while two more were discovered at an adjoining residence, as confirmed by the police.
Authorities reported that the suspect appeared to have taken their own life, suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Meanwhile, the aftermath of the attack left 25 people in need of medical evaluation at a nearby facility. Among them, two individuals sustained life-threatening injuries, necessitating an emergency airlift for urgent treatment.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Superintendent Ken Floyd addressed the media, stating that the identity of the shooter will not be released at this time. The motive behind this horrific act remains a mystery, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
“I think we will struggle to determine the ‘why’, but we will try our best to determine what transpired,” Floyd remarked during a press conference, underscoring the challenges faced by the authorities as they piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd told reporters that officials who identified the shooter are not disclosing the name at this time. The suspect’s motive remains unclear at this time.
‘I think we will struggle to determine the ‘why’, but we will try our best to determine what transpired,’ Floyd said at a press conference.
The superintendent did confirm that the suspect found dead at the school is the same person described as a woman in a dress with brown hair in the active shooter alert sent out earlier today.
‘Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,’ officials said.
A total of six victims were found inside the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, two at a connected residence, and another died while being transported to a hospital, Royal Mountain police said on February 10
Officials said that the suspected female shooter appeared to have died from a self inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Another 25 people are being evaluated for injuries at a local medical center, with two of those injuries being life-threatening
Solicitor General Nina Krieger said during a news conference following the tragedy that officials quick response to the scene saved lives.
The District of Tumbler Ridge said in a statement that their community experienced a distressing incident: ‘Our hearts are with all those affected, and we recognize that many residents may be feeling shocked, scared, and overwhelmed.’
The district noted that both Tumbler Ridge secondary and elementary schools will be closed for the rest of the week.
Tumbler Ridge is a district municipality of roughly 2,400 people, about 736 miles north of Vancouver.
The secondary school enrolls 175 students from grades 7 to 12, according to a provincial government listing.
An earlier emergency alert asking the public to shelter in place was lifted at 5.45pm local time.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Tumbler Ridge Secondary School for comment.
Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement following the tragedy: ‘I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed that the suspect found dead at the school is the same person described as a woman in a dress with brown hair in the active shooter alert sent out earlier today
The district noted that both Tumbler Ridge secondary and elementary schools will be closed for the rest of the week due to the incident
‘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.
‘Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other.’
‘I have connected with Premier Eby to express my condolences, and with the Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, who is coordinating the federal response.’
‘Our officials are in close contact with their counterparts to ensure the community is fully supported as best we can. The Government of Canada stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy.’
Additionally, David Eby, the Premier of British Columbia, also wrote on X, that he is grieving for the people Tumbler Ridge.
‘Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy,’ Eby added.
David Eby, the Premier of British Columbia, was alongside Solicitor General Nina Krieger during a news conference following the tragedy
Krieger said during the conference that officers quick response to the scene saved lives. She added that the education ministry staff are sending trauma-informed counsellors to the area to support kids and their families
The Premier said that he spoke with Carney and RCMP leadership as he reiterated the numbers of victims.
Eby noted he wants British Columbians and Canadians to support the people of Tumbler Ridge with love as they deal with the tragedy.
‘This is something that will reverberate for years to come,’ he said.
Eby was stunned for a moment when asked during a news conference alongside Solicitor General Nina Krieger about what he’d say to parents afraid to send their children to school.
‘This is the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places, and not close to home in a way that this feels like for many British Columbians and Canadians,’ he said.
The education ministry staff are sending trauma-informed counsellors to the area to support kids and their families, said Krieger.
