Nine people were killed and 27 others injured in a mass shooting that targeted a secondary school and a nearby residence in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Tuesday. Police said the suspected shooter was found dead at the school with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury. Authorities confirmed that two of the injured victims are in serious condition, while 25 sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said an active shooter alert was issued Tuesday afternoon at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Officers responding to the scene discovered six people dead inside the school, while a seventh victim died on the way to hospital. Two additional bodies were later found at a residence believed to be connected to the incident. Investigations remain ongoing, with police searching other properties in the community.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the attack as “horrific acts of violence” and said he was devastated by the tragedy. He cancelled his planned trip to the Munich Security Conference to remain in Canada. British Columbia Premier David Eby called the shooting “unimaginable,” while RCMP officials described the situation as rapidly evolving and emotionally devastating for the community.
Police have not released details about the identity or age of the suspect or victims, although Canadian media reports suggested the shooter was female. Mass shootings are rare in Canada, but the attack has drawn national attention given the scale of casualties and the small size of the community.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote town of about 2,400 residents located more than 1,100 kilometres north of Vancouver, has been left in shock. Students recounted being placed on lockdown for hours as heavily armed officers cleared the school. Local officials said there were “no words sufficient” to describe the heartbreak gripping the town as families mourn the victims and authorities continue their investigation.
