Ten Dead in Canadian School and Home Shootings, Including Suspect
A devastating shooting at a secondary school in the remote town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, with two more found deceased at a nearby residence. Canadian authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the female suspect believed to be the shooter is also among the fatalities, bringing the total death toll to ten.
Immediate Police Response and Scene Details
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police reported that officers arrived at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School within two minutes of the incident. More than twenty-five people sustained injuries, with two airlifted to hospital in critical, life-threatening condition. Video footage depicted students exiting the building with hands raised as police vehicles encircled the school and a helicopter monitored from above.
Initial police statements indicated six fatalities at the school, with the suspect apparently succumbing to a self-inflicted injury. An additional victim died during transport to a hospital, while two more were discovered deceased at a home authorities believe is connected to the attack.
Community in Mourning and Official Reactions
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka expressed profound grief, stating he "broke down" upon learning the scale of the tragedy in the close-knit community of approximately 2,700 residents. "I probably know every one of the victims," he remarked, describing the town as a "big family."
British Columbia Premier David Eby conveyed his sorrow, noting the event compels everyone to "hug our kids a little bit tighter tonight." He urged the province to support Tumbler Ridge during this harrowing time. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on social media that he is devastated by the shooting and has suspended a planned trip to Halifax and Munich to address the crisis.
Investigation and Broader Context
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed investigators have identified a female suspect but withheld the name as the motive remains unclear. Police are diligently working to determine the connections between the shooter and the victims.
This incident marks Canada's deadliest mass shooting since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed twenty-two people. In response to previous tragedies, the Canadian government has implemented stricter gun control measures, including an expanded ban on assault-style weapons.
The Reverend George Rowe of the Tumbler Ridge Fellowship Baptist Church, who once taught at the high school, visited a recreation center where families awaited news. He described the agonizing wait for identification of the deceased, emphasizing the difficulty of leaving while families remained in limbo. "To walk through the corridors of that school will never be the same again," he reflected solemnly.
