Tragedy in Canada: Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Kills Nine, Injures Over 25, Small Town in Shock

A quiet mountain town in British Columbia is reeling after a deadly school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The attack left at least nine people dead and more than 25 injured. Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunwoman died from a self-inflicted injury inside the school. Investigators are working to understand why the tragedy happened.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, in a town of about 2,400 residents. The school has fewer than 160 students. Police said six victims were found dead inside the school, while another person died while being rushed to the hospital. Two more bodies were later discovered at a nearby home believed to be linked to the attack. Several students with serious injuries were airlifted to medical facilities. Others were treated for minor wounds at Tumbler Ridge Health Centre, which was temporarily placed under restricted access during the emergency response.

Authorities described the suspect as a brown-haired woman wearing a dress. North District RCMP Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed that the individual found dead inside the school matched this description. Police have not released her identity or age. Floyd warned that investigators may struggle to determine a clear motive. “We are not in a place now to be able to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” he said.

Residents described chaos and fear as the event unfolded. Grade 12 student Darian Quist said the alarm sounded shortly after he arrived in class. Students barricaded themselves inside classrooms for over two hours until police escorted them to safety. Mayor Darryl Krakowka, who personally knew many victims, said the town is grieving deeply. “I will know every victim. I’ve been here 19 years. I don’t call them residents. I call them family,” he said.

British Columbia Premier David Eby urged residents to support one another during the difficult days ahead. Prime Minister Mark Carney extended condolences to families and friends of the victims, describing the attack as “horrific.” School shootings of this magnitude are rare in Canada, where gun laws are strict and firearm ownership is low. The Tumbler Ridge attack has shaken the nation and left the community searching for answers.