Canada Shaken by ‘Horrific Shooting’ That Left At Least 9 Dead in British Columbia

Canada experienced one of the worst mass shootings in the nation’s history on February 10. The tragedy that unfolded at a school and a home in northeastern British Columbia left at least nine people dead and several others injured.

​The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Tumbler Ridge received a call about an active shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1:20 p.m. The police quickly initiated a Public Information and Public Alert (PIPA) as officers responded to the scene.

The alert was officially canceled at 5:45 p.m. because police did not believe there were any outstanding suspects or an ongoing threat to the public, according to a press release obtained from the RCMP.

At the scene, officers located multiple victims. An individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appeared to be a self‑inflicted injury.

​Authorities said six additional people, not including the suspect, were found dead inside the school. Two victims were airlifted to the hospital in serious-to-critical condition, while a third died on the way. Approximately 25 others are being assessed and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a nearby medical center.

​“All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated. Police are working closely with the school district to support a coordinated reunification process for families,” an official said in the press release.

​During the attack, a police alert identified the suspect as a “female in a dress with brown hair.” In a news conference later in the day, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superintendent Ken Floyd said that the shooter was the suspect described in the alert, according to a report on USA Today.

​British Columbia Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said the devastating events are sending shockwaves through the community and the entire province.

​“My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. I would like to thank the RCMP and first responders for their immediate and courageous response. We will deploy every resource to support the investigation and the people of Tumbler Ridge,” she wrote on X.

​“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,” said Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander. ​

As part of the ongoing investigation, police identified a secondary location believed to be connected to the incident, where two additional victims were dead 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 the shootings.

​“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,” said Ken Floyd.

​Additional RCMP resources are being deployed to the community to support the ongoing response and investigation, including frontline officers, the Emergency Response Team, British Columbia RCMP Major Crime, and Victim Services.

British Columbia RCMP Major Crime has taken over the investigation and is working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he is devastated by the horrific shootings. “My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence.

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,” he said in a statement.

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Carney offered support to British Columbia Premier David Eby and Public Safety Minister 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,” he said.