Via files from press releases:
Ten people are dead including the shooter following a mass shooting in the rural community of Tumbler Ridge, including six victims found inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, police said.
RCMP said officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the school. Six people were found dead inside the building. A seventh victim died while being transported to hospital. Two more people were later found dead at a nearby residence.
Police said the suspected shooter was also found dead inside the school from a self inflicted injury. Officers believe they have identified the shooter, but said it may be difficult to ever determine a motive for the attack, which has become one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history.
The community was placed under shelter in place orders as officers secured multiple scenes. Those restrictions were lifted later in the evening. Schools in the district will remain closed for the rest of the week, with additional supports promised for students, staff, and families.
B.C. Premier David Eby addressed the tragedy during a late evening news conference, saying the violence would reverberate for years to come. He said he had spoken with federal leaders and Royal Canadian Mounted Police leadership, and urged British Columbians to surround the community with care and compassion.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also issued a statement offering condolences to the families of the victims and praising first responders for their actions.
The mayor of Tumbler Ridge described the town as close knit and said he would likely know every victim personally. Local, provincial, and federal officials are expected to travel to the community in the coming days as investigations continue.
Release from Prime Minister’s office:
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.
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.
Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country – our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other.
I have connected with Premier Eby to express my condolences, and with the Minister of Public Safety, 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.”
PMO Media Relations: media@pmo-cpm.gc.ca
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
Portions of this post were aided by AI. We are not a news agency.
