Tumbler Ridge: Canada is mourning after a tragic school shooting in the small town of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia that left nine people dead, including the attacker, and injured more than 25 others.
According to police, the 18 year old suspect first killed two family members at home before going to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday. Authorities said the suspect later died at the school. Officials have not shared a clear motive, but confirmed that the suspect had a history of mental health struggles.
Among those who lost their lives at the school were a teacher and several young students. Many others were taken to hospital with injuries, some of them serious. Counselors have been made available to students, families and staff as the community struggles to come to terms with the loss.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy and announced that Canada’s public safety minister would travel to the town to support local authorities and affected families. He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and said the federal government stands with the people of Tumbler Ridge during this painful time.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded quickly after reports of an active shooter. Officers secured the area and recovered firearms at the scene. An investigation is ongoing as police work to understand how the attack unfolded.
Flags at federal buildings have been lowered to half mast in honor of the victims. Messages of sympathy have poured in from across Canada and from leaders around the world.
This attack is being described as one of the deadliest school shootings in recent Canadian history. As the nation grieves, questions are being raised about community safety, mental health support and gun control. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families who have lost loved ones and helping a shaken community begin to heal.