A chilling alert gripped the community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as police urged residents to shelter in place and lock their doors. An active shooter situation unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, throwing the quiet town into a state of fear and uncertainty.
Authorities confirmed one shooter is deceased, but crucial questions remained unanswered for hours. The possibility of a second suspect loomed, and the extent of any injuries or casualties remained unknown, amplifying the anxiety felt throughout the region.
The initial emergency alert, issued Tuesday afternoon, described the suspect as a woman with brown hair, wearing a dress. It directed residents to avoid the area entirely and strictly adhere to police instructions, effectively sealing off the town.
Trent Ernst, a local publisher, arrived at the school to investigate and found all access routes blocked. A palpable sense of worry had descended upon the community, a place previously considered remarkably safe and peaceful.
Ernst, visibly shaken, described the shattering of that long-held belief. Tumbler Ridge, a small town of approximately 2,400 people, had always been a haven, a place where such emergencies seemed unimaginable.
Local MLA Larry Neufeld immediately began traveling from Victoria, determined to offer support to the community. He pledged to be on the ground, ready to assist in any way possible during this unfolding crisis.
Neufeld stated he was in constant communication with the solicitor general, ensuring that all available provincial resources were being deployed to aid local law enforcement and emergency responders. The focus remained on securing the area and providing assistance.
The district municipality of Tumbler Ridge, nestled in the Peace River region of northeastern British Columbia, now faced a reality it had never anticipated. The tranquility of everyday life had been violently disrupted, leaving residents reeling in shock and fear.
