Canadian high school shootout
On February 10, a devastating act of violence unfolded in the quiet town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, leaving ten people dead, including the suspected shooter, and shaking communities across Canada. The tragedy, described as one of the country’s deadliest mass casualty events in recent history, occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence believed to be connected to the attack.
The shooting was first reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. Pacific Time. Officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded swiftly to reports of an active shooter at the secondary school. Upon arrival, authorities discovered six individuals dead inside the school building. A seventh victim succumbed to injuries while being transported to hospital.
As the situation continued to unfold, police identified a second crime scene at a residence in the area. Two additional individuals were found dead there. Authorities believe the residence is linked to the school shooting, although the precise nature of that connection has not yet been disclosed. Later confirmation brought the total number of victims to ten, including the suspected assailant.
In addition to the fatalities, at least two individuals were airlifted to regional hospitals with serious or life-threatening injuries. Approximately 25 others were assessed and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local medical center. Police have not specified how many of the victims were minors, though the secondary school serves around 175 students in Grades 7 through 12.
The suspected shooter was found dead inside the school from what authorities described as a self-inflicted injury. Police stated that they do not believe there are any additional suspects or ongoing threats to the public. An earlier emergency alert described the suspect as a female wearing a dress and having brown hair. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd later confirmed that the individual described in the alert was the same person found deceased at the school.
Officials have released very limited information about the suspect, including no name, and have stated that the motive remains under investigation. Superintendent Floyd emphasized that investigators are working to determine how the victims were connected to the shooter and what events led up to the attack.
The violence prompted an immediate and large-scale emergency response. Residents of Tumbler Ridge, a town of roughly 2,400 to 2,700 people, were urged to remain indoors as additional police and emergency resources were deployed from neighboring communities. The town-wide alert was lifted later in the evening, around 5:45 p.m., after authorities determined there was no continuing threat.
The Peace River South School District initially placed both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School under lockdown and “secure and hold” protocols. Officials later announced that both schools would remain closed for the rest of the week as the community begins the difficult process of mourning and recovery.
Local and national leaders expressed shock and sorrow in the aftermath of the tragedy. British Columbia Premier David Eby spoke emotionally about the impact of the event, stating that it was the kind of incident people often believe happens elsewhere, not close to home. He assured residents that the provincial government would provide every possible support to the affected families and the broader community.
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the town as a “big family” and acknowledged the profound grief felt by residents. He admitted breaking down upon learning the scale of the loss, calling the situation devastating for such a close-knit community.
At the federal level, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the suspension of a planned trip to Halifax and Munich in light of the tragedy. In a public statement, he expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones. He described the shootings as horrific acts of violence that have left the nation mourning.
The incident has also reignited discussions about gun violence in Canada. While Canada maintains stricter firearm regulations than the neighboring United States, licensed gun ownership is legal. In recent years, the federal government introduced tighter restrictions on handguns and assault-style weapons, partly in response to previous mass shootings in Canada and high-profile school shootings abroad. However, efforts to ban certain rifles and shotguns were rolled back following opposition from farming and hunting communities.
Mass shootings remain relatively rare in Canada compared to the United States, making the Tumbler Ridge tragedy particularly shocking. The fact that the suspected shooter was described as female also stands out, as such attacks in North America are overwhelmingly carried out by men.
As investigators continue their work, the focus in Tumbler Ridge has shifted toward healing and support. Counseling services and crisis response teams are expected to assist students, families, first responders, and community members coping with trauma and loss.
In a town where many residents know one another personally, the impact of the violence is deeply felt. The coming days and weeks will be marked by vigils, tributes, and collective mourning as Tumbler Ridge grapples with an event that has forever altered its sense of safety and peace.
