Deadly Mass Shooting Rocks Remote Tumbler Ridge Community
A tragic mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has left ten people dead, including the suspected shooter, and more than 25 others injured, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The incident, which also involved a nearby residence, has sent shockwaves through the small, remote town.
RCMP Provides Details on the Attack
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the RCMP confirmed that officers responded to an active shooter situation at the school. During their search, police discovered multiple victims and found the suspect deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. Two of the injured individuals are reported to have life-threatening wounds, heightening concerns over the severity of the attack.
The Peace River South School District had earlier implemented a "lockdown and secure and hold" protocol at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School as a precautionary measure. Larry Neufeld, the member of the legislature for Peace River South, noted that an excess of emergency resources, including RCMP and ambulance teams, has been deployed to the area to assist with the ongoing operation.
Community and Context of the Shooting
Tumbler Ridge, a town with a population of approximately 2,400 people, is located more than 1,000 kilometers north of Vancouver, near the Alberta border. School shootings are exceptionally rare in Canada, making this event particularly devastating for the close-knit community. According to the provincial government website, Tumbler Ridge Secondary School serves about 175 students from Grades 7 to 12.
Neufeld emphasized caution in releasing further information, stating that disclosing details could potentially jeopardize the safety of the ongoing police investigation and response efforts. The RCMP continues to work on the scene, with updates expected as the situation develops.
