A shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in Canada’s British Columbia at around 1:20 pm local time, prompting an immediate police response. Authorities said the suspected shooter is dead and that multiple victims were reported, while investigators worked to determine whether any other suspect was involved.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) later confirmed that ten people were killed in the incident. In addition, 25 others were taken to a nearby medical center for evaluation of injuries. Police said officers entered the school immediately after receiving reports of an active shooter and secured the school, finding several people. The suspected shooter was later found dead and is believed to have inflicted his injuries.
School lockdown
In the aftermath of the shooting, School District 59 placed both the secondary and elementary schools under a “hold and secure” lockdown, ANI reported.
Public alert cancelled
An emergency alert issued earlier in the afternoon was later cancelled after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said authorities no longer believed there were any remaining suspects or an ongoing threat to the public.
Evacuation and family reunification
Police also confirmed that all remaining students and staff have been safely evacuated from the school. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they are working with the local school district to ensure a coordinated reunification process for families.
Tumbler Ridge is a small community of around 2,400 people, located approximately 660 kilometres northeast of Vancouver. The town’s secondary school has an enrolment of about 160 students.
The District of Tumbler Ridge called the incident “deeply distressing” and advised residents to rely only on official updates from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), ANI reported.
“In the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process,” the district said. “Please check in on one another, lean on available supports, and know that Tumbler Ridge is a strong and caring community. We will get through this together.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney react
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep shock and sorrow over the incident, saying, “I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, BC.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby also conveyed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones.”
Eby added that the government would provide every possible support to community members in the coming days as they try to come to terms with what he described as an unimaginable tragedy.
Investigation ongoing
Police said they are continuing to examine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, with no additional information released so far regarding the motive or the identities of the victims, ANI reported.
