Canada shooting kills nine at school, nearby residence

By Goli Innocent

A tragic shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, claimed nine lives and left 27 others injured on Tuesday, as authorities confirmed the suspect also died by suicide.

The remote mountain town, nestled in the Rockies, was rocked when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Six victims were found dead at the school, with a seventh succumbing to injuries en route to hospital. Two more bodies were discovered at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the attack.

Officials have not released details about the age or identity of the shooter, though Canadian media reported the suspect may be female. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed being “devastated” by the “horrific acts of violence” and suspended his travel plans to the Munich Security Conference.

Students at the school were placed on lockdown for over two hours. Darian Quist, a student, described the moment he realised the severity of the attack after seeing “disturbing” images online. His mother, Shelley Quist, said she was relieved when they were reunited.

Authorities continue to investigate additional locations and potential connections. British Columbia Premier David Eby described the incident as “unimaginable,” while RCMP officials emphasised the complexity of the situation and thanked the community for their cooperation.

Tumbler Ridge, a town of roughly 2,400 residents, is more than 1,100 kilometres north of Vancouver. The municipality expressed profound grief over the loss, highlighting the deep impact on families, students, and the wider community.