Mass Shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia Leaves Nine Dead and Dozens Wounded
Female suspect found deceased as authorities confirm Canada’s deadliest school-related attack in decades and continue investigating motive
A mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia has left nine people dead and at least twenty-seven others injured, marking the deadliest school shooting in Canada in decades.
Police were alerted to an active shooter at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time on Tuesday and arrived at the scene within minutes.
Authorities confirmed that six victims were found deceased inside the school, while a seventh died en route to hospital.
Two additional victims were later discovered at a residence in the town believed to be connected to the attack.
The suspected attacker, described in an emergency alert as a brown-haired woman wearing a dress, was found dead inside the school with what investigators said appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Police stated they know the identity of the suspect but have not released further details.
Officials declined to confirm the ages of the deceased or how many were students, citing the ongoing investigation.
Approximately twenty-seven individuals were injured in the incident.
Two victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while others were treated at local medical facilities.
A shelter-in-place order issued to residents of Tumbler Ridge, a town of roughly 2,400 people, was lifted later in the evening after authorities determined there was no ongoing threat.
Students reported barricading classroom doors with tables after lockdown alarms sounded shortly after 1:30 p.m. Many remained sheltered for nearly two hours before being escorted out by police.
Parents waited outside the school grounds as emergency responders secured the area.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School serves approximately 175 students in grades seven through twelve.
The school district announced the campus will remain closed for the rest of the week as counseling and support services are made available to students, staff and families.
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the events as an unimaginable tragedy for the tight-knit community.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow and offered federal support, stating that the country stands united with the people of British Columbia during this period of grief.
International leaders have also conveyed condolences and solidarity.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s background and potential motive, as the community confronts the aftermath of one of the most devastating acts of school violence in modern Canadian history.