A chilling scene unfolded in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as reports of an active shooter at the local secondary school pierced the afternoon calm. The first frantic calls to police came in at 1:20 p.m. local time, initiating a response that would reveal a devastating loss of life.
Initial searches of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School uncovered a horrific tableau: six individuals lay dead, victims of gunshot wounds. Alongside them, officers discovered a suspect, deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury, bringing a terrifying initial phase of the event to a close.
The tragedy didn’t end within the school walls. As investigators broadened their scope, a secondary location was identified, a residence linked to the incident. Inside, authorities found two more victims, adding to the mounting toll.
The immediate aftermath saw a flurry of emergency response. Two critically injured individuals were airlifted to a hospital, fighting for their lives, while a third succumbed to their injuries during transport. Approximately twenty-five others, bearing non-life-threatening injuries, were assessed at a local medical center.
Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander, acknowledged the swift and crucial cooperation between the school, first responders, and the community. He emphasized the profound impact on everyone involved, describing it as an “incredibly difficult and emotional day.”
Thankfully, all students and staff were safely evacuated from the school, a small measure of relief amidst the overwhelming grief. Authorities quickly determined there were no additional suspects and the public was no longer in immediate danger.
The Peace River South School District confirmed the lockdown at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Elementary schools, urging patience as they worked alongside the RCMP. The community braced for impact, grappling with the unfolding horror.
Local representative Larry Neufeld immediately announced his return to the riding, having contacted the Solicitor General to ensure all available provincial resources were deployed. His message underscored the paramount importance of public safety and adherence to official updates.
The final count stands at nine lives lost, a devastating blow to the small community of Tumbler Ridge. The investigation continues, seeking to understand the motives behind this senseless act of violence and provide answers to a grieving population.
