A tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia has reportedly left ten people dead and twenty-five injured. The violence began on Tuesday afternoon when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada’s national police force, were called to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School after reports of an active shooter.
When officers arrived, they found six people dead inside the school. Another person died while being taken to the hospital, and two more were found dead at a nearby home, which police believe was connected to the school attack. Around 25 others were injured, with some in critical condition and others treated for less serious injuries.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter was found dead inside the school from a self-inflicted injury. Police believe the shooter was a female, matching an earlier public description, but have not released her name or a motive. Investigators are still working to understand how the victims were connected to the shooter.
Students and staff were evacuated safely, and local schools will remain closed for the rest of the week. Survivors described barricading themselves in classrooms and waiting hours before being escorted out by police.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow, saying the nation mourns with the families and the Tumbler Ridge community. He postponed a planned trip Germany and ordered flags on federal buildings to be lowered to half-mast. Leaders across Canada and around the world also sent condolences and messages of support.
The RCMP and local authorities continue to investigate the shootings, including reviewing the nearby home connected to the incident, gathering evidence, and trying to determine how and why this tragedy happened.
This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.
Sources: The Guardian, BBC, CNN, People
