Communities and authorities are expressing grief and solidarity following a deadly school shooting Tuesday at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia. The attack left multiple people dead and others injured, and has reverberated far beyond the community.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service extended condolences to those affected.
“Our thoughts are with Tumbler Ridge, B.C. The Chatham-Kent Police Service extends our heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. We also recognize and thank the first responders who continue to serve with courage and compassion during this difficult time. Our thoughts and support are with the entire Tumbler Ridge community.”
The Lambton Kent District School Board also issued a message titled “Standing Together Following Tumbler Ridge Tragedy,” noting the widespread impact of the violence.
“The tragic school shooting in British Columbia has left many across the country feeling shaken and heartbroken. When violence enters a school -any school – it impacts us all,” the statement reads.
The board acknowledged the mix of emotions students, families and community members may be experiencing.
“We know that families, students, and community members may be experiencing a mix of emotions right now: sadness, worry, anger, or simply a deep sense of unease,” the board said.
“As a school board, our thoughts are with the students, families, and educators in British Columbia who are facing unimaginable loss. We also want to acknowledge the weight that events like this can place on our own students and families. Please know that the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is – and always will be – our highest priority.”
The board said supports are available in all schools for students who may be struggling.
“Supports are available in all of our schools for any student who may be struggling or simply needing someone to talk to. Our teams of educators, counsellors, and support staff are here to listen, to guide, and to help students process difficult emotions and questions in safe and caring ways. We encourage families to reach out to their schools if they need support or guidance.”
“In challenging times, our strength comes from coming together – listening, caring, checking in on one another, and creating space for honest conversation and healing. We are grateful for the trust our families place in us and for the compassion that defines our school communities. Thank you for standing with us.”
Tumbler Ridge RCMP said officers received a report of an active shooter at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Feb. 10. A Police Initiated Public Alert was issued as officers responded. The alert was cancelled at 5:45 p.m. after police said they did not believe there were any outstanding suspects or ongoing threat to the public.
Police said officers entered the school during the initial response and located multiple victims. An individual believed to be the shooter was found deceased with what police described as a self-inflicted injury.
Six additional individuals were located deceased inside the school. Two victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while a third died while being transported to hospital. Approximately 25 others were assessed and triaged at a local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries.
All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated, police said, and officers are working with the school district on a coordinated reunification process for families.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police identified a secondary location believed to be connected to the incident, where two additional victims were found deceased in a residence. Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to the events.
BC RCMP Major Crime has assumed conduct of the investigation.
“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” said Supt. Ken Floyd, North District Commander. “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement expressing condolences.
“I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” Carney said.
“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens. Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country – our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other.”
Carney said he had connected with B.C. Premier David Eby and with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
“Our officials are in close contact with their counterparts to ensure the community is fully supported as best we can. The Government of Canada stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy.”
