Canada School Shooting: Pupils Barricaded Doors as 10 Killed in Tumbler Ridge
At least 10 people have been confirmed dead and 25 others injured following a devastating active shooter incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in remote Canada. The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday, February 10, in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, situated at the foothills of the Rockies.
Police Response and Investigation Details
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Staff Sergeant Kris Clark confirmed multiple victims from the shooting. Officers arrived on the scene within two minutes of receiving the emergency call. Police have identified the shooter, who was found dead with apparent self-inflicted injuries, though they have not released details to protect the investigation's integrity. A secondary location connected to the incident was also confirmed, where two additional victims were found dead.
Student Accounts of the Lockdown
A Grade 12 student, Darian Quist, described harrowing moments during the lockdown. He reported that an alarm sounded with instructions to close doors shortly after 1:30 PM. Students used tables to barricade classroom doors for over two hours until police escorted them out. Darian shared, "It felt like I was somewhere that I had only seen across a TV," adding that the situation felt "almost surreal." His mother, Shelley, kept him on the phone throughout the ordeal for support.
Community and Political Reactions
Tributes have poured in from across Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed devastation, offering condolences and highlighting the courage of first responders. British Columbia Premier David Eby noted, "This is the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places, and not close to home," promising full support for the community. School District 59 announced closures for the remainder of the week, with counseling services being made available.
Impact and Aftermath
The shooting marks Canada's deadliest incident since 2020. Tumbler Ridge, with a population of 2,400, saw its local healthcare center placed under restricted access. An air ambulance was dispatched, and two individuals were airlifted with serious injuries, while at least one person died en route to hospital. Emergency health services are expected to provide further updates on the injured.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, officials emphasize immediate support for families while pledging to review the incident for lessons in the coming weeks.
