Nine people were killed and at least 27 others injured after a shooter opened fire at a secondary school and a nearby residence in the remote town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, before taking their own life, Canadian police said.
The attack unfolded in the mountain valley community in western Canada, prompting a large-scale emergency response and leaving residents in shock.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), an alert was issued after reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Officers arriving at the scene discovered six people dead inside the school, while a seventh victim later died from gunshot wounds on the way to the hospital.
“An individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury,” the RCMP said in a statement.
Police later confirmed that two additional bodies were found at a residence in the town, which authorities believe is connected to the incident. In total, 27 people were wounded — two seriously and 25 with non-life-threatening injuries.
Canadian media reports suggested the suspect was female, but the RCMP declined to confirm the shooter’s identity, age, or gender during a press briefing.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by what he described as “horrific acts of violence,” adding that he had suspended plans to attend the Munich Security Conference in order to remain in Canada.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” British Columbia Premier David Eby said, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and the wider community.
Student Darian Quist told public broadcaster CBC that he was attending a mechanics class when an announcement ordered the school into lockdown.
“At first, I didn’t think anything was going on,” he said. “Then I started getting disturbing photos, and it set in what was happening.”
Quist said students remained in lockdown for more than two hours until armed officers entered classrooms, ordered everyone to raise their hands, and escorted them out.
His mother, Shelley Quist, said she broke down in tears when she finally reunited with her son.
“He’s not going to be out of my sight for a while now,” she told CBC.
Local journalist Trent Ernst, who previously worked as a substitute teacher at the school, said the tragedy struck close to home.
“One of my children just graduated from that school,” he said. “There have been troubled kids here before, but nothing like this.”
In a statement, the Municipality of Tumbler Ridge said the town was overwhelmed by grief.
“There are no words sufficient for the heartbreak our community is experiencing tonight,” the statement read. “We are devastated by the loss of life and the profound impact this tragedy has had on families, students, staff, and our entire town.”
RCMP northern district commander Ken Floyd described the incident as “a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation,” noting that officers were continuing to search other homes and properties for possible links to the shooting.
“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community,” Floyd said. “We are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”
Mass shootings remain rare in Canada, though the incident comes months after 11 people were killed in Vancouver during a vehicle attack at a Filipino cultural festival.
Tumbler Ridge, home to about 2,400 residents, is located more than 1,100 kilometres north of Vancouver.
