A quiet community in northern British Columbia was shaken Tuesday after a deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School left at least nine people dead. Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman was also found deceased, and several others were injured in what is being described as one of the deadliest school shootings in Canada in decades.
Police said six victims were discovered inside the school. Another person died while being transported to hospital. Two additional bodies were later found at a residence in Tumbler Ridge believed to be connected to the incident.
Victims Found Inside School and Nearby Home
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), officers entered the school shortly after reports of an active shooter. During their search, they located multiple victims and the suspected gunman, who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted injury.
In total, six people were found dead inside the school building, not including the suspect. Two others were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Around 25 more individuals were treated at a local medical centre for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said investigators have identified the shooter but are withholding the name for now. He added that authorities are still working to determine a motive and understand how the victims may have been connected to the suspect.
“We are not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said.
Schools Locked Down as Emergency Crews Respond
Following the shooting, both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary were placed under lockdown and “secure and hold” procedures. A significant emergency response was deployed to the small town, including RCMP officers and ambulance services.
Larry Neufeld, the member of the legislature for Peace River South, said an “excess” of resources had been sent to support the community, though he declined to share further operational details while the investigation remains active.
Tumbler Ridge is located more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver, near the Alberta border. The secondary school serves approximately 175 students in grades 7 through 12.
National Leaders Offer Support and Condolences
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed sorrow over the violence, offering condolences to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones. He said the federal government is in close contact with local officials to ensure the community receives the support it needs.
In a message shared publicly, Carney described himself as devastated by the events and emphasized the country’s strength in moments of crisis, highlighting unity, empathy, and compassion.
School shootings are rare in Canada, making Tuesday’s tragedy especially shocking for the close-knit northern community and the country as a whole.
