At least nine people have been killed following a shooting at a high school and a nearby residence in Tumbler Ridge, a rural mountain town in British Columbia.
Police responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time. Upon arrival, officers discovered six people dead inside the school and dozens more injured. A seventh victim died while being transported to hospital, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Authorities later located two additional victims deceased at a residential property believed to be connected to the incident.
The suspected shooter was found dead inside the school with what police described as a self-inflicted injury. An emergency alert sent to residents described the suspect as a brown-haired woman wearing a dress. Officials have confirmed the individual has been identified but have not released further details, citing privacy considerations.
Two victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Approximately 25 others with non-life-threatening injuries are being treated at a local medical facility.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School serves around 175 students from Grades 7 to 12. Police have not confirmed how many of the deceased were students or clarified the nature of any relationship between the victims and the suspect.
Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District commander, said investigators have not yet determined a motive.
“We are not in a place now to be able to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd stated during a press conference.
