At least nine people were killed in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Tuesday after a shooting at the local secondary school. The suspected gunman was also found dead, and several others were injured in one of the deadliest school attacks in Canada in decades.
Multiple Victims Found at School and Nearby Home
Police reported six people dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, with another victim dying while being transported to hospital. The suspected shooter was discovered at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Authorities later found two more victims at a residence in the town believed to be linked to the incident. About 25 others were treated at a local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed investigators know the shooter’s identity but have not released it, and the motive remains unclear.
“We are not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said, adding that police are still investigating how the victims were connected to the suspect.
Schools Locked Down as Emergency Response Mobilizes
Both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and the nearby elementary school were placed on lockdown. An extensive response, including RCMP officers and ambulance crews, was deployed to ensure the safety of residents and assist victims. Local officials withheld details to protect the ongoing investigation.
Tumbler Ridge is a small, remote town located over 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver, near the Alberta border. The secondary school serves roughly 175 students in grades 7 through 12.
Leaders and Community Rally in the Aftermath
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families, saying the government is coordinating with local authorities to provide support. “I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, BC. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” he wrote.
He also emphasized the strength of Canadians in crisis, highlighting empathy, unity, and compassion as vital in times of tragedy.
School shootings remain rare in Canada, making this violent attack all the more shocking for the small northern community.
