A quiet rural community in northeastern British Columbia was shattered Tuesday after a gunman opened fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, leaving 10 people dead and at least 25 others injured in one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.
The attack unfolded at the school, which serves students in grades 7 through 12. Authorities said seven people were killed in connection to the school shooting, including the suspect, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police also discovered two additional victims dead at a nearby home and believe those deaths are connected to the attack.
Law enforcement has not yet publicly identified the shooter. Authorities initially described the suspect as a person with brown hair wearing a dress and later referred to the attacker as a “gun person.” Investigators have not released further details about the suspect’s identity.
Of the victims, six died at the school itself, while a seventh victim died while being transported to the hospital. Two others were airlifted with serious injuries, and at least 25 more people were treated for minor injuries.
The Major Crime Division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is leading the investigation. Authorities said they are continuing to check other locations to determine whether there may be additional victims tied to the incident.
North District Commander Ken Floyd described the situation as rapidly unfolding and praised the response from the school and emergency personnel.
“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,” 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, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”
Floyd later acknowledged that investigators currently have no clear indication of a motive behind the attack. He said authorities may “struggle to determine the ‘why,’ but we will try our best to determine what transpired.”
The tragedy has deeply shaken Tumbler Ridge, a city of roughly 2,400 residents. Fewer than 200 students are enrolled at the secondary school, underscoring how closely knit the community is.
Mayor Darryl Krakowka, who has served the town for nearly two decades, expressed the profound personal toll the shooting has taken.
“I will know every victim. I’ve been here 19 years, and we’re a small community,” Krakowka told CBC. “I don’t call them residents. I call them family.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also issued a statement offering condolences and recognizing the impact of the violence.
“My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” Carney said. “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.”
As investigators work to piece together what led to the attack, a small town is left mourning devastating losses. With unanswered questions about motive and circumstances, the community now faces the difficult task of healing after a day that forever altered its sense of safety and normalcy.
