TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia — A devastating mass shooting in the remote town of Tumbler Ridge has shaken Canada and prompted national grief and shock. On 10 February 2026, gunfire erupted at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and at a nearby residence, leaving multiple people dead and dozens wounded in one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent Canadian history. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, which occurred in a tight-knit community where such violence is almost unheard of. Here is what is known so far.
Timeline of the Attack
The shooting began at around 1:20 p.m. local time (MST) on Tuesday when local emergency services received reports of an active shooter at the secondary school — a combined middle and high school serving roughly 160–175 students. Law enforcement quickly responded to the reports and initiated a lockdown and “secure and hold” protocol inside the school.
When officers entered the building, they discovered multiple victims who had been fatally shot. Authorities also located a suspected shooter deceased at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the suspect has been identified, but her name has not yet been publicly released for privacy and investigative reasons.
Casualties and Victims
Initial official counts from police and reports from multiple media outlets indicate that 10 individuals were killed, including the suspected shooter. Of these fatalities:
- Six victims were found inside the school,
- One more died while being transported to hospital, and
- Two victims were found dead at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident.
In addition to the deaths, 27 people were injured, with at least two suffering serious or life-threatening wounds requiring airlift to larger medical facilities. Dozens of others received treatment for non-critical injuries.
Police have not yet released detailed information about the identities or ages of victims, citing the need to first notify families and proceed with respect for privacy and investigative protocols.
Profile of the Suspect
The RCMP issued an official public safety alert during the incident describing the shooter as a female with brown hair wearing a dress. Authorities have since confirmed that the suspected shooter — who was found dead at the scene — was female and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators are still working to determine the motive for the attack and how the victims may have been connected to the suspect.
At this stage, investigators have not named the suspect publicly, explaining that details must be handled with sensitivity as they work through evidence and interviews.
Response and Evacuation
Once the lockdown order was issued at the school, teachers and staff moved quickly to secure classrooms and guide students to safer areas. In some cases, students reported barricading doors with desks and benches while waiting for authorities to arrive. After police completed a thorough sweep of the facility, they escorted students and staff to safety and reunited them with family members.
Schools in the region, including both the secondary and elementary campuses in Tumbler Ridge, were later announced to be closed for the remainder of the week to allow time for grieving and community support.
Community Impact and Reaction
Tumbler Ridge, a remote foothills town in northeastern British Columbia with a population of roughly 2,400 residents, has been left reeling by the tragedy. The mayor described the event as devastating for a community where residents often know one another personally. Local clergy and leaders have called for collective mourning and support for all those affected.
Elsewhere, national leaders have expressed deep sorrow. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney published statements offering condolences to the victims’ families and praising the courage of first responders. British Columbia Premier David Eby also extended support to the Tumbler Ridge community in the aftermath of the shooting.
Rarity of School Shootings in Canada
While mass shootings in Canada are significantly less common than in some other countries due to strict firearms laws and licensing requirements, this incident ranks among the deadliest in recent decades. Previous high-profile cases — such as the 2020 Nova Scotia attacks — have prompted policy debates on gun control and community safety. The Tumbler Ridge shooting is likely to reignite discussions on public safety, gun policy and mental health interventions at the national level.
Ongoing Investigation
RCMP officials have stressed that the investigation remains active and evolving. Officers are continuing to collect evidence, interview witnesses and piece together the sequence of events leading up to and during the attack. Law enforcement has also stated that they do not believe there are additional suspects at large.
Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the weapon or weapons used, and motive remains officially undetermined. Officials have acknowledged that understanding why this tragedy occurred will require time, careful forensic work and continued cooperation from the community.
A Community in Mourning
As families mourn lost loved ones and Tumbler Ridge residents attempt to process a day of violence that seemed unimaginable in their rural town, support services are being mobilised. Local and provincial agencies are providing counselling and resources for students, teachers and families traumatized by the attack.
The broader Canadian public has also responded with an outpouring of sympathy, solidarity and shock at the scope of the tragedy. As details continue to emerge, the impact of the Tumbler Ridge shooting is likely to be felt far beyond the small community where it unfolded.
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