By: The Trek News Desk
A tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia has left at least 10 people dead, including the suspected gunman. More than 25 others were injured in the incident, with two victims reported to be in critical condition.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), six victims were found deceased inside the school building. Another individual succumbed to injuries while being transported to the hospital. The suspected shooter was also discovered dead within the premises, with authorities indicating the injury appeared to be self-inflicted. Additionally, two more bodies were located at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the case.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed during a press briefing that the suspect has been identified, but officials are withholding the name at this time. He stated that investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack and examining possible connections between the victims and the suspect.
Police responded swiftly after reports of an active shooter emerged, entering the school to secure the area and neutralise the threat. During their search, officers found multiple victims inside the building. Two critically injured individuals were airlifted to a hospital for urgent medical treatment.
In response to the incident, the Peace River South School District implemented a “lockdown” and “secure and hold” protocol at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School as a precautionary measure.
Local Member of the Legislative Assembly Larry Neufeld stated that additional RCMP officers and emergency medical services were deployed to support the small community. He emphasised that resources were increased due to the seriousness of the situation, but noted that further details cannot be released at this stage to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.
Tumbler Ridge, a town with a population of approximately 2,400 residents, is located more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver near the Alberta border. The secondary school serves around 175 students from Grades 7 to 12.
School shootings are considered rare in Canada, and the incident has deeply shaken the local community and the nation. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Source: News Agencies
