A mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has left at least 10 people dead and over 25 others wounded, Canadian police said on Wednesday. The rampage unfolded at a secondary school and a nearby home in the remote northern community, shocking residents and officials alike.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said six people were found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Another victim died while being taken to a hospital. Two additional bodies were discovered at a residence believed to be linked to the shooting.
Police said the suspected shooter was also found dead at the scene, apparently from a self-inflicted injury. Authorities told reporters they do not believe there is any ongoing threat or additional suspects.
About 25 people have been injured, with some suffering serious or life-threatening wounds. Several victims were airlifted to hospitals while others were treated at local medical facilities.
Tumbler Ridge is a small town of roughly 2,400 residents in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, more than 1,100 km (685 miles) north of Vancouver. Local schools, including the elementary school, were quickly placed on lockdown when the incident began around 1:20 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Police issued an emergency alert urging residents to shelter in place as they worked to secure the scene. The alert was later lifted after several hours when authorities deemed the danger over.
The RCMP said it had identified the suspected shooter but declined to release the person’s name or any other personal details. Witness descriptions and official notices described the suspect as a female wearing a dress, though police would not confirm this in the initial news briefing.
British Columbia Premier David Eby called the event an “unimaginable tragedy” and said the province would support the community. “Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones,” he said.
National leaders also expressed sorrow. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote that he was “devastated” by the shootings and offered condolences to families and first responders.
School officials said they would keep both the secondary and elementary schools closed for the week while recovery and counseling support services are arranged.
This attack is among the deadliest mass shootings in recent Canadian history and has prompted renewed discussions about gun violence and community safety across the country. Canada has seen several mass shootings over the years, including the 2020 Nova Scotia rampage that killed 22 people.
