A gunman killed nine people and wounded 27 others in a devastating attack Tuesday at a secondary school and a nearby residence in the remote mountain town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Authorities confirmed that the suspect later died from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury.
The violence unfolded in the quiet foothills community nestled in a picturesque valley of the Canadian Rockies. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), six victims were found fatally shot inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
A seventh victim succumbed to gunshot wounds while being transported to hospital. Two additional bodies were later discovered at a residence believed to be connected to the incident.
In total, 27 people were injured. Two remain in serious condition, while 25 sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
An active shooter alert was issued Tuesday afternoon, placing the school into immediate lockdown. As officers cleared the building, they located the suspect deceased inside. While Canadian media have reported that the shooter was female, the RCMP declined to confirm the suspect’s identity or provide further details during a press conference.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed that he was “devastated” by what he described as “horrific acts of violence.” He announced he would suspend his planned trip to the Munich Security Conference, where he had been scheduled to hold discussions with allies on transatlantic defense readiness.
The tragedy has left the tight-knit community reeling. Darian Quist, a student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, told CBC he was in his mechanics class when the lockdown announcement was made. At first, he said, he did not grasp the seriousness of the situation. But as “disturbing” images began circulating among students, the reality of what was unfolding became clear.
“It set in what was happening,” Quist said.
He remained in lockdown for more than two hours until police entered the classroom, instructing students to raise their hands before escorting them safely out.
His mother, Shelley Quist, described the emotional moment they reunited after authorities declared the scene secure. “He’s not going to be out of my sight for a while now,” she said.
Trent Ernst, a local journalist and former substitute teacher at the school, said the attack has shaken the entire town. One of his children recently graduated from Tumbler Ridge Secondary.
“There’s been troubled kids here in town before,” Ernst noted, reflecting on the community’s struggles.
Police have not yet released the ages or identities of the victims or the suspect. As investigations continue, Tumbler Ridge faces an unthinkable loss.
“There are no words sufficient for the heartbreak our community is experiencing tonight,” the municipality said in a statement.
