Ottawa (Monitoring Desk) At least ten people, including a suspected shooter, were found dead following a mass shooting in the remote town of Tumbler Ridge in northeastern British Columbia on Tuesday, Canadian authorities confirmed.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), six victims were discovered inside a local high school, while two others were found dead at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident. Another victim succumbed to injuries while being transported to hospital.
Police said the suspected shooter was also found dead at the scene from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. Authorities added that they do not believe there are additional suspects and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
An earlier active shooter alert issued in British Columbia described the suspect as a female with brown hair wearing a dress, indicating the shooter may have been a woman. However, officials have not yet formally confirmed the identity.
“Multiple injuries and multiple deceased were inside the school as officers progressed through the scene,” Police Superintendent Ken Floyd told reporters at a news conference. “We have the scene secured right now. Investigators are working to determine the full extent of the injuries and what weapons may or may not have been involved.”
In addition to the fatalities, approximately 25 people were being assessed for injuries at a local medical centre, police said.
Tumbler Ridge, a municipality with a population of around 2,400 residents, is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about 1,155 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.
British Columbia’s Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger expressed condolences in a statement posted on X, saying, “All our thoughts are with the people in Tumbler Ridge. I’ve spoken to the mayor and local MLA, and we are offering the RCMP any additional assistance they need.”
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as forensic teams continue to examine the scene and determine the motive behind the attack.