Canadian police say a mass shooting in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has left nine people dead and at least 25 injured. Officers also found the suspected attacker dead at the scene.
Authorities described the incident as one of the deadliest gun attacks in Canada’s history.
Attack unfolded at school and nearby home
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at 13:20 local time on Tuesday. Officers rushed to the scene and issued an emergency alert urging residents to shelter in place, lock their doors, and remain indoors.
Schools in the area entered lockdown, while emergency crews secured the surrounding community.
British Columbia Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said police arrived within two minutes of the initial call, adding that the rapid response “no doubt” saved lives.
Tumbler Ridge is a small rural town of about 2,400 residents, and the secondary school serves roughly 160 students in Grades 7 to 12.
Victims found in multiple locations
Police later confirmed that several victims were discovered inside the school, including individuals who died at the scene and others who suffered life-threatening injuries. Medical teams treated around 25 additional people for non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators also located two more victims in a nearby home connected to the incident. Officers continued searching surrounding properties to determine whether anyone else had been harmed.
Authorities have not yet released the names or ages of the victims.
Suspect found dead as motive investigated
Police identified the suspected attacker but have not disclosed further details publicly. Officers found the suspect inside the school with a self-inflicted injury.
Earlier alerts described a person matching the suspect’s appearance, and investigators are now examining possible motives and any connection to the school.
Survivors recount lockdown inside classrooms
Students described barricading classroom doors with tables and remaining inside for hours until police escorted them to safety. Families later reunited at a nearby community centre.
Parents said they heard police forcing doors open and guiding students out of the building during the rescue operation.
Community and national leaders react
Local officials said the tragedy has shaken the tight-knit community, where residents rarely lock their doors and many know one another personally.
British Columbia Premier David Eby called the shootings “a devastating and unimaginable tragedy,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney cancelled a planned trip abroad following the attack.
Remote town known for mining and fossils
Tumbler Ridge lies about 670 kilometres north-east of Vancouver. The town is known for coal mining and dinosaur fossil discoveries and promotes itself as a destination for waterfalls and outdoor tourism.
Investigations into the shootings remain ongoing.
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