Ten people are dead, including the suspect, following a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia. Approximately 25 others were injured in the attack, which unfolded Tuesday afternoon and has left the small community reeling. Authorities say the investigation remains active as more details continue to emerge.
CTV News has confirmed the shooter has been identified as Jesse Strang. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they received a report of an active shooter at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time. Officers entered the school within minutes to locate the threat. During their search, police found multiple victims inside the building, as well as the suspect, who appeared to have died from a self inflicted injury. Six victims were found dead inside the school, while another died en route to hospital. Two more victims were discovered at a home believed to be connected to the incident. Police also confirmed that about 25 additional individuals were treated for non life threatening injuries at a local clinic.
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered emotional remarks on Parliament Hill, announcing that flags at federal buildings will fly at half mast for seven days. He said the nation stands with the people of Tumbler Ridge and confirmed that world leaders, including those from Britain, France, India, Finland, Norway and Australia, have offered condolences. The Prime Minister has cancelled his planned trip to Germany for the Munich Security Conference and postponed a defence announcement in Halifax. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also conveyed his sympathies to Canada in the U.K. House of Commons.
Across Canada, tributes and messages of support poured in. The CN Tower in Toronto dimmed its lights in honour of the victims. Team Canada, speaking from the Milan Cortina Olympics, said it was heartbroken and extended condolences to families and the entire community. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra shared his sympathies on social media, offering prayers for those affected. Political leaders from all major federal parties expressed grief and solidarity, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre calling the attack appalling and urging Canadians to unite in support of the families.
Public safety experts say the coming days will focus on understanding the motive and circumstances behind the tragedy. Former OPP commissioner Chris Lewis described the incident as absolutely heartbreaking and said investigators will work to determine how the suspect obtained the weapon, whether there were warning signs and whether anyone else was involved. Former RCMP deputy commissioner Pierre Yves Bourduas noted that police responded within two minutes of the initial call, suggesting the rapid response may have prevented further casualties. RCMP continue to secure the scenes, gather evidence and conduct interviews as they work to provide answers to a community now facing unimaginable loss.
