Tragedy in British Columbia: Nine Dead, Dozens Injured in Canada School Shooting
At least nine people have been confirmed dead and more than two dozen injured following a deadly school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, a small community in northeastern British Columbia, Canada, police have said.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that the suspected gunman is also dead from what is believed to be a self-inflicted injury after opening fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at about 1:20 p.m.
According to authorities, officers responding to the distress call discovered six victims dead inside the school premises, while another person later died on the way to the hospital. Two additional victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, and about 25 others were assessed for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Police further revealed that the investigation led them to a “secondary location believed to be connected to the incident,” where two more victims were found dead inside a residence, bringing the total number of fatalities to nine.
In a statement, the RCMP said officers were expanding their search to ensure no further victims were linked to the attack.
“Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” the police said.
Reacting to the tragedy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to affected families and the community.
“I am devastated by the shooting. 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,” he said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also reacted, expressing solidarity with Canada.
“Heartbroken by this horrific school shooting in British Columbia. The people of California stand with our neighbors in Canada in grief and solidarity — no community should endure this kind of violence,” Newsom said.
Tumbler Ridge, a quiet town of about 2,400 residents located in the Northern Rockies region of British Columbia, has been left shaken by the incident, which authorities describe as one of the most tragic attacks in the area’s history. Investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing.
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