Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia: A tragic mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, has left nine people dead and at least 25 injured, shocking the tight-knit rural community. The suspected shooter, described as a female with brown hair wearing a dress, was found dead at the school from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

Timeline of the attack

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received reports of an active shooter at the school at 13:20 local time on Tuesday. Students and teachers were instructed to barricade classrooms, and police arrived within two minutes. A shelter-in-place alert was issued in the area and cancelled at 17:45 once authorities confirmed no active threats remained. The shooting occurred across two locations, with six victims found at the school and three others at a nearby residence. Several victims were airlifted to hospitals with serious injuries.

Community impact

Tumbler Ridge, a small mining town of about 2,400 people, is known for its close-knit population and generally safe environment. Local residents, including Mayor Darryl Krakowka, expressed deep shock at the attack. “It is an incredibly safe community… The sense that these things don’t happen here has been shattered,” said local journalist Trent Ernst, who covered the incident live.

Response and condolences

Global leaders have expressed their condolences. French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky all described themselves as deeply shaken and extended sympathy to the victims and their families.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief, saying India stands in solidarity with Canada and offering his condolences to the families of the victims while wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

Ongoing investigation

RCMP Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd stated that authorities are investigating the motives behind the attack. While the shooter’s identity, age, and possible connections remain undisclosed, officials confirmed the attack involved two connected locations in Tumbler Ridge.

This tragic incident underscores the vulnerability of even small, rural communities to gun violence and has left Tumbler Ridge residents mourning a devastating loss.