At least 10 killed in school shooting in B.C. community of Tumbler Ridge
A small northeastern British Columbia community was shaken Tuesday afternoon after police responded to reports of a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
The incident left at least 10 people dead and others injured and prompted a large-scale emergency response, as of the BC RCMP’s press conference at 6:45 p.m. PST.
Police say the first call came in shortly after 1:20 p.m. PST, triggering a major response as officers rushed to the school. The warning remained in effect for hours before being lifted at about 5:45 p.m. PST, once investigators determined there was no continuing danger to the public.
When officers entered the building to search for the suspect, they discovered multiple victims inside. Police also located a person believed to be responsible for the attack, who was found dead from what authorities describe as an apparent self-inflicted injury.
During the press conference, BC RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd, the North District commander, said investigators believe they have identified the suspect, but are unable to provide further details due to the process and until the next of kin is contacted. He was also unable to comment on the suspect’s possible motive and any relation they may have had with the victims.
“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”
Location of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in B.C. (Google Maps)
In total, six victims were found deceased inside the school, not including the suspect. Two other people were flown to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while a third died during transport. About 25 additional individuals were taken to a local medical centre to be assessed for injuries that were considered non-life-threatening.
Students and staff who were still in the building were evacuated safely, and police said they are working with the school district to organize a reunification process so families can be brought back together.
At this time, during the early stages of the recovery and investigation, the police have not indicated whether any of the deceased found in the school are children, teachers, other school staff, and/or parents.
According to the school’s website, it has an enrolment of about 160 students between grades 7 and 12. Floyd said about 100 people were safely evacuated from the school.
The investigation has also since widened beyond the school. Police confirmed they identified another location believed to be linked to the case, where two more people were found dead inside a residence. Officers are continuing to check other properties in the area to determine whether there are additional victims or connections to the events.
The local medical clinic is treating the injured as resources allow.
“I haven’t personally connected with the clinic, but I can tell you that without the clinic and the support of those professionals, this would have been a far worse outcome for those that were injured and treated by the clinic. The clinic has triaged the victims to the best of my knowledge. We have had victims airlifted out of the community that required more critical care,” said Floyd.
“We’re still triaging other victims and I don’t have updates on whether that number could rise. The scene was very dramatic and there were multiple victims that are still being cared for.”
When asked whether any of the victims were airlifted to Edmonton and Vancouver area hospitals, he said, “Those families and those victims need privacy and time right now. So we’re not providing that information to the public.”
Location of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in B.C. (Google Maps)
Location of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in B.C. (Google Maps)
Extra RCMP resources have been sent to the town of about 2,400 residents, including frontline officers, the Emergency Response Team, Major Crime investigators, and Victim Services, as authorities work to piece together what happened.
“The RCMP will be part of this healing because we’re part of the Tumbler Ridge community and we will be there through all of this together,” said Floyd.
“I let the commander know that anything he is looking for, I will do everything I can to provide to him and his team and their families. Because at the end of the day, every citizen and every person in Tumbler Ridge, including our first responders, are going home to their families to try and explain this. And sometimes there’s just not a way to explain this.”
In a post on X, Premier David Eby offered his condolences to the families of victims.
“Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones,” wrote Premier Eby.
“Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy.”