A mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, northern British Columbia, has resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including the suspect, and left more than two dozen hospitalized. Premier David Eby described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” that ranks among the deadliest of its kind in Canadian history. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation, stating, “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.” Carney's office confirmed he had suspended plans to travel to Germany for the Munich security conference.

Police reported that six individuals were discovered deceased inside Tumbler Ridge secondary school. Another person died en route to the hospital, and two more victims were found dead at a local residence. The suspect was found deceased with self-inflicted wounds. The District of Tumbler Ridge issued a statement calling the shooting a “deeply distressing” incident, offering condolences to those affected and emphasizing the community's strength and caring nature in the face of such a tragedy.

Students from grade 7 to 12 attend Tumbler Ridge secondary school, and both the secondary and elementary schools will remain closed for the rest of the week. The Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Council highlighted that the safety and well-being of students and staff are paramount, commending first responders for their quick and professional actions. British Columbia’s public safety minister, Nina Krieger, noted that police arrived within two minutes of receiving the call, crediting their “speed and professionalism” with saving lives.

Initially, police issued an emergency alert for an active shooter, instructing residents to shelter in place and lock their doors. The alert, which described the suspect as a female in a dress with brown hair, was lifted at 5:45 pm. Superintendent Ken Floyd, RCMP North district commander, characterized the scene as “very dramatic” with extensive injuries. Approximately 100 students and staff were safely evacuated from the secondary school.

While police have identified the shooter, they declined to release further details, citing privacy concerns and the need to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Floyd stated that police would not comment on a possible motive, acknowledging the challenge in determining the “why” behind the incident but assuring efforts to uncover what transpired. The town’s health centre was placed on Code Orange, indicating a mass-casualty incident. Due to the community's rural setting, at least two victims required airlifting to larger hospitals, with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) providing assistance.

This shooting is notably one of the worst in Canadian history and the second-deadliest school shooting, following the 1989 L'Ecole Polytechnique attack in Montreal, which claimed 14 lives. Other significant incidents include a 2016 shooting in La Loche, Saskatchewan, where five people were killed. Canada's strict gun laws generally lead to fewer instances of mass violence compared to the United States. Premier Eby reflected on the profound impact, urging citizens to “hug your kids a little tighter” and support the affected families, recognizing that such events resonate deeply across British Columbia and Canada.