TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia — At least ten people have been killed, including the suspected attacker, and many more were injured after a shooting unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in the small northern British Columbian community of Tumbler Ridge. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) say the rampage took place at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School before extending to a nearby residence believed to be related to the incident. 

The town of Tumbler Ridge, with a population of around 2,400, found itself at the center of one of the most devastating episodes of mass violence in modern Canadian history — a nation where such attacks are relatively rare compared to other countries. 

Sequence of Events

Police received reports of an active shooter at the high school at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time (MST). RCMP and emergency responders arrived quickly, but by the time officers secured the scene, multiple casualties had been discovered. 

According to law enforcement:

• Six victims were found dead inside the school.

• Two more victims were located deceased at a nearby residence believed connected to the shooting.

• Another person died en route to a hospital, bringing the total fatalities, including the suspected shooter, to ten. 

The suspected shooter — described in early alerts as a female wearing a dress with brown hair — was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted injury inside the school, police said. Authorities confirmed that they do not believe any further suspects remain at large. 

Multiple Injuries and Response

At least 25 people were reported injured, with some suffering life-threatening wounds and others treated for non-life-threatening injuries at local medical facilities. Authorities lifted the shelter-in-place alert later in the evening once they determined it was safe for the public. 

Premier David Eby of British Columbia and Prime Minister Mark Carney both issued statements expressing devastation and condolences to the affected families and the Tumbler Ridge community. In response to the shooting, Carney postponed scheduled official duties abroad to remain in Canada and address the aftermath. 

Community Impact

With the local secondary school serving around 160 to 175 students, the scale of the tragedy has particularly struck this tight-knit community. Schools in Tumbler Ridge have been closed for the remainder of the week while grief counseling and support services are being made available to students, families, and staff. 

Officials and community leaders are working to support those affected, and investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting remain active. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd noted that while the immediate threat has been neutralized, investigators continue probing connections between the shooter and the victims, as well as the weapon(s) used. 

Context and Rarity

Mass shootings in Canada remain rare due to strict firearm regulations, but when they occur, they leave lasting national trauma. This event is being compared with previous major incidents, such as the 2020 Nova Scotia massacre and historic school attacks. 

Canadian authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspected shooter, citing privacy considerations and ongoing investigation. As the nation mourns, broader discussions about gun safety and prevention are likely to resurface in Canadian political and public discourse. 

Sources: AP News, Reuters