Tumbler Ridge mass shooting: 9 killed at B.C. school and home in one of Canada’s deadliest attacks
Tumbler Ridge, B.C
A quiet mountain community in northeastern British Columbia has been left reeling after a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge claimed the lives of nine people in what authorities describe as one of the deadliest school shootings in modern Canadian history.
Police confirmed that seven victims were fatally shot at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, while two others were found dead at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident. The suspected attacker was also found dead at the school from what officials say appears to be a self-inflicted injury.
The tragedy unfolded Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the small town of roughly 2,400 residents.
What Happened at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School?
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), officers responded to reports of an active shooter around 1:20 p.m. local time. Upon arrival, they discovered multiple victims inside the secondary school, which serves approximately 175 students from Grades 7 to 12.
Six victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries en route to hospital. Two additional bodies were later discovered at a residential property nearby. Authorities have confirmed the two locations are connected, though the exact nature of that link has not yet been disclosed.
At least two victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while as many as 25 others sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at a local medical centre.
Suspect Identified but Not Publicly Named
Police stated they have identified the suspect but are withholding the name and gender for privacy reasons. An emergency alert issued during the incident described the suspect as a brown-haired woman wearing a dress.
Superintendent Ken Floyd of the RCMP said investigators are still working to determine a motive.
“We are not in a place now to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said.
“We may struggle to determine the ‘why,’ but we will try our best to determine what transpired.”
Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, and a shelter-in-place order issued earlier in the day has been lifted.
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National Leaders React to ‘Unimaginable Tragedy’
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the shootings and extended his condolences to the victims’ families. Carney cancelled a planned trip to Germany to focus on the unfolding crisis.
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the incident as a “devastating and unimaginable tragedy,” adding that the entire country would feel its impact.
“This is something that will reverberate for years to come,” Eby said, urging Canadians to support the grieving community.
Local officials echoed the sentiment. Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the town as “small and tight-knit,” noting that many residents personally know the victims.
One of the Deadliest Shootings in Canada’s History
Mass shootings of this scale are extraordinarily rare in Canada, a country known for stricter gun laws compared to the United States. Analysts note that Canada has significantly fewer firearms per capita than its southern neighbor.
Historically, Canada’s most infamous mass shootings include the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, where 14 women were killed, and the 2020 Nova Scotia attack, which left 22 dead.
The tragedy in Tumbler Ridge now ranks among the most severe acts of gun violence in the nation’s recent history.
Schools Closed as Community Mourns
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School will remain closed for the rest of the week. Mental health counsellors and victim support teams are being deployed to assist students, families, and first responders.
Officials continue to notify next of kin as the investigation progresses.
FAQ
What happened in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia?
Nine people were killed in related shootings at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby home. The suspect was found dead at the school.
How many people died in the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
Nine victims were killed. The suspected attacker also died from a self-inflicted injury.
Was the suspect identified?
Police have identified the suspect but have not publicly released their name or full details.
Is there an ongoing threat to the public?
No. Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat, and the shelter-in-place alert has been lifted.
How many people were injured?
At least two people suffered serious or life-threatening injuries, while approximately 25 others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Where is Tumbler Ridge located?
Tumbler Ridge is a rural mountain town in northeastern British Columbia, about 680 km (422 miles) from the US border.
What is known about the motive?
Police have not determined a motive and say it may be difficult to fully understand the attacker’s reasoning.
How rare are mass shootings in Canada?
Mass shootings are significantly less common in Canada compared to the United States due to stricter firearm regulations.