A mass shooting at a high school in a remote northeastern British Columbia community has left at least seven people dead, including the suspected attacker, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The incident occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. Police responded to the scene at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time, triggering a shelter-in-place alert for the area. Authorities confirmed six victims were discovered deceased inside the school building. A seventh victim died after being transported to a hospital. Two additional fatalities were reported at a separate residence believed to be linked to the incident. The alleged shooter was also found dead at the scene from what police suspect was a self-inflicted injury. Early emergency notifications described the suspect as a woman in a dress with brown hair, though the RCMP has not yet released a confirmed identity.
Approximately 25 people are receiving medical treatment for injuries at the local health centre, though the severity of most injuries remains undisclosed. The RCMP mobilized additional officers and an emergency response team. The shelter-in-place order was lifted around 6:45 p.m. after several hours of investigation.
Tumbler Ridge is a remote municipality with a population of about 2,400. Local officials described the community as tight-knit. Faith leaders and mental health professionals are providing support to affected families.
Police stated the investigation is in its early stages. RCMP Chief Supt. Floyd indicated authorities have not determined a motive and are working to establish any connection between the shooter and the victims. He declined to specify the ages of the victims or whether the suspect was a minor. “We’re following all leads to try to determine the connection to the shooter,” he said. “I think we will struggle to determine the ‘why’, but we will try our best to determine what transpired.”
The shooting represents a severe tragedy in a small, isolated community. The investigation remains active as forensic work continues and families are notified. The focus has now shifted to supporting the wounded and the community as it grapples with the aftermath of the attack.
