A shooting that occurred in the early hours of this Wednesday at a secondary school in the Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge, in the province of British Columbia, has left at least ten dead and 25 injured, as confirmed by authorities.
Among the fatalities is the alleged perpetrator of the attack, who died after causing self-inflicted wounds. According to the preliminary balance provided by the Canadian Mounted Police, six of the deceased were located inside the educational center, while two other bodies were found in a nearby home. Additionally, a ninth victim died during transport to a hospital.
Health services have reported that around 25 people are being treated for various injuries at the local medical center. Two of the injured are in critical condition and have had to be evacuated by helicopter to specialized hospitals.
Security forces maintain a large force in the area and continue to search homes and properties in this small town in the interior of British Columbia, located about 1,150 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, to rule out the existence of more victims. Authorities have indicated that, at the moment, there are no indications of the participation of other suspects.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police explained that officers began receiving calls about an active shooting around 1:20 p.m. local time (20:20 GMT). As part of the initial response, the troops accessed the interior of the educational center to neutralize the threat and, during the operation, they located several fatalities and the alleged lifeless attacker.
According to the police statement, all students and staff members who remained at the institute were safely evacuated while the investigation continues to clarify the circumstances of the event.
Condolences from the Canadian Prime Minister
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the shooting and extended his condolences to the families and friends of the victims. “I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones in these acts of violence,” Carney said in a message on X.
Tumbler Ridge is a town of less than 3,000 people, which means the shooting has a strong impact on the small community waiting for the victims’ identities to be revealed. “Our ability to come together in times of crisis is what is best about our country: our empathy, our unity and our compassion,” Carney recalled.
