Ten people are dead after a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday,
Police were called to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at 1:20pm. During a search of the school, officers found six victims. An individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury.
Two victims have been airlifted to hospital with serious or life‑threatening injuries. A third victim died while being transported to hospital.
According to the RCMP, approximately 25 others are being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non‑life‑threatening injuries.
All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated. Police say there are working closely with the school district to support a coordinated reunification process for families.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have identified a secondary location believed to be connected to the incident, where two additional victims were located deceased in a residence.
Officers have conducted further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events.
“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident,” Supt. Ken Floyd, Commander of the B.C. RCMP’s North District, said in a statement. “This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the co-operation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”
Mounties say that additional RCMP resources continue to be deployed into the community to support the response and investigation. These include frontline officers, the Emergency Response Team, BC RCMP Major Crime, and Victim Services.
BC RCMP Major Crime has assumed conduct of the investigation and is working to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
“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,” says Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander. “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.
Prime Minister Mark Carney reacted to the shooting on Tuesday. “I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence.” said the Prime Minster.
Carney added, “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. Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other. The Government of Canada stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy."
BC’s Minister of Public Safety issued a statement Tuesday afternoon that said, “extremely concerning situation unfolding in Tumbler Ridge. All our thoughts are with people in Tumbler Ridge. I’ve spoken to the mayor and local MLA, and we are offering the RCMP any additional assistance they need.”
Nina Krieger had urged residents of Tumbler Ridge to obey the shelter in place order and return to their homes,after a number of people had been seen walking around the town and potentially interfering with police operations.
Mounties issued an emergency alert for residents of Tumbler Ridge and the surrounding area, after reports of an active shooter at the school. The suspect was described as a female in a dress with brown hair.
At 6:47pm police cancelled the emergency alert. Police saying in the update that the shelter in place directive had been cancelled and can resume normal activities.
RCMP sources said that every available police officer in the region was deployed to Tumbler Ridge.
“I am aware of the active shooter situation currently unfolding in Tumbler Ridge, and my thoughts are with residents as this situation continues to develop,” Neufeld said.
“Public safety is the absolute priority. I urge everyone in the area to follow RCMP instructions, remain sheltered, and rely only on official updates,” Neufeld added.
BC Emergency Health Services confirmed they were responding to an ongoing incident in Tumbler Ridge.
“We can confirm we are working collaboratively with our colleagues in Northern Health and the RCMP,” they said in a statement.
School District 59 says students at Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Tumbler Ridge Elementary were placed under lockdown.
CJDC-TV News spoke to Mayor Darryl Krakowka. The District of Tumbler Ridge also issued a statement that said, “today, our community experienced a profoundly distressing incident. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we acknowledge that many residents may be feeling shocked, frightened, and overwhelmed.”
The District added that they are grateful for the swift response of local emergency services and first responders. It said additional supports are already on the ground or on their way to assist the community.
“In the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process. Please check in on one another, lean on available supports, and know that Tumbler Ridge is a strong and caring community. We will get through this together,” said District officials.
Northern Lights College will be closing its Tumbler Ridge campus for the remainder of the week due to the events.
“Our thoughts are with the families and the community of Tumbler Ridge at this time,” the college posted on social media.
The “shelter in place” alert was issued at 3:15 pm on Tuesday. CJDC-TV News will release more information as the story unfolds.