A quiet community in northeastern British Columbia was left reeling on Tuesday after a deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School claimed 10 lives, including that of the suspected gunwoman, in one of the most tragic incidents to hit the region in recent memory.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), six people were found dead inside the high school in Tumbler Ridge, a small town in British Columbia’s Peace region. A seventh victim died while being transported to hospital following the attack. The suspected shooter was also found dead at the scene, apparently from a self-inflicted injury.
In addition to the eight fatalities linked directly to the school shooting, police later discovered two more victims at a second location — a residence believed to be connected to the incident — bringing the total death toll in what authorities are describing as a “double shooting” to 10.
The shooting unfolded on Tuesday afternoon at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. As reports of an active shooter emerged, the RCMP issued a Public Emergency Alert (PIPA), warning residents and describing the suspect as a “female in a dress with brown hair.” The alert urged people in the area to take precautions as law enforcement responded to the unfolding crisis.
Police officers entered the school as part of their first response protocol to locate and neutralize the threat. During their search of the premises, they discovered multiple victims.
“An individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury,” the RCMP said in an official statement. Authorities later confirmed that six victims, not including the suspect, were found dead inside the school building.
Two individuals were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. A third victim succumbed to injuries while en route to hospital. Approximately 25 others were taken to a local medical centre for evaluation and treatment.
In a significant development, investigators identified a second location believed to be connected to the school attack. At a residence in the area, police discovered two additional victims who had been fatally shot.
Authorities have not yet elaborated on the relationship between the two scenes or whether the victims at the residence had any direct connection to the school. The motive behind the shootings remains under investigation.
Following the initial response, police cancelled the public emergency alert, stating that they did not believe there were any remaining suspects or ongoing danger to the public.
“All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated. Police are working closely with the school district to support a coordinated reunification process for families,” the RCMP said.
Crisis response teams and support services have been mobilized to assist students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy. Local authorities and community leaders have urged residents to rely on official updates as investigations continue.
Tumbler Ridge, a town with a population of just over 2,000, is known for its close-knit community. Incidents of this scale are rare in the region, amplifying the shock and grief among residents.
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