A tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has resulted in at least 10 deaths, including the suspected female shooter.
At least 10 people are dead, including the suspected shooter, after a woman opened fire at a secondary school in the Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia on Wednesday, in one of the country’s deadliest mass casualty incidents in recent years.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at around 1:20 pm on February 10. A Police Initiated Public Alert was issued as police rushed to the scene.
Six victims were found dead inside the school, excluding the suspect. Another person died on the way to hospital. Two additional victims were discovered deceased at a residence believed to be connected to the incident, taking the total death toll to 10, including the shooter.
SUSPECT FOUND DEAD INSIDE SCHOOL
Police said the suspected shooter was found dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. Investigators do not believe there are any further suspects or ongoing threat to the public.
An emergency alert sent to residents described the suspect as “a female in a dress with brown hair”. Superintendent Ken Floyd later confirmed that the person described in the alert was the same individual found dead inside the school.
Police have not released information about the identities of the victims, how many may have been minors, or a possible motive. Authorities had earlier said they were working to determine whether a second suspect could have been involved.
DOZENS INJURED, COMMUNITY TOLD TO STAY INDOORS
At least two people were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Around 25 others were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local medical centre.
Residents were urged to remain indoors as officers secured the area.
“Those in the Tumbler Ridge area are asked to stay inside, lock your doors, and refrain from leaving your home or business at this time,” police said. “All others need to avoid the area and follow police directions and restrictions.”
“As part of the ongoing investigation, police have identified a secondary location believed to be connected to the incident, where two additional victims were located deceased in a residence. Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” police said.
Additional officers from neighbouring detachments were deployed to support the local response.
“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” Superintendent Ken Floyd said. “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community.”
POLITICAL LEADERS REACT
Mark Carney expressed shock over the killings.
“I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” he wrote.
“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens.”
He said he had spoken with Premier David Eby and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who is coordinating the federal response.
“Our officials are in close contact with their counterparts to ensure the community is fully supported as best we can. The Government of Canada stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy,” he said.
Local MLA Larry Neufeld said he was returning from Victoria to support residents in his constituency.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that more information will be released as it becomes available.
