PRIME Minister Mark Carney said 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.”
Seven people were killed in a school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Also, two others found in a residence are dead. The alleged shooter is also dead of a self-inflicted injury. Approximately 25 others are being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non‑life‑threatening injuries.
Carney said: “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.
“I have connected with Premier [David] Eby to express my condolences, and with the Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, who is coordinating the federal response.
“Our officials are in close contact with their counterparts to ensure the community is fully supported as best we can. The Government of Canada stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy.”
THE BC RCMP said that at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Tumbler Ridge RCMP received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. A Police Initiated Public Alert (PIPA) was issued as officers responded to the scene. The alert was officially cancelled at 5:45 p.m. as police do not believe there are any outstanding suspects or ongoing threat to the public.
As part of the initial response to the active shooting, police entered the school to locate the threat. During the search, officers located multiple victims. An individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury.
Six additional individuals, not including the suspect, have been located deceased inside the school. Two victims have been airlifted to hospital with serious or life‑threatening injuries. A third victim died while being transported to hospital. 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 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 are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to Tuesday’s events.
Additional RCMP resources continue to be deployed into the community to support the response and investigation. These include but are not limited to 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.”
