Ten dead after shooter opens fire at Canadian high school in rare massacre

Ten people, including the suspected shooter, are dead after a devastating attack at a high school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, marking one of Canada’s deadliest mass casualty events in recent history. Police said six victims were found inside the school, two more at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident, and another died en route to hospital. At least two people remain hospitalized with life‑threatening injuries, while as many as 25 others are being treated for non‑critical wounds.

The suspected shooter, described by police as female—a rare detail in North American mass shootings—was found dead from what appeared to be a self‑inflicted injury. Authorities stressed that they do not believe there are additional suspects or ongoing threats. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have withheld victim identities until “absolute, unequivocal identification” is confirmed.

Parents gathered at a local community center, anxiously awaiting news of their children. Local pastor George Rowe described the scene as heartbreaking: “The sight of what I saw was devastating, many parents just waiting for the news on whether their child had survived the shooting or not.”

British Columbia Premier David Eby acknowledged the shock reverberating across the province, saying, “It’s the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places and not close to home.” The rarity of such massacres in Canada has amplified the sense of disbelief, drawing immediate comparisons to mass shootings more commonly seen in the United States.

Students recounted harrowing experiences of lockdowns and fear. Darian Quist, a 17‑year‑old student, said his class was locked down for more than two hours starting at 1:30 p.m. local time. While he did not hear gunfire himself, he later saw photos shared by classmates showing blood at the scene.

The tragedy has already sparked calls for answers and renewed debates about gun control, school safety, and mental health support in Canada. For the community of Tumbler Ridge, the massacre has left deep scars, transforming what should have been an ordinary school day into a national tragedy.