At least ten people, including the suspected shooter, have been confirmed dead following a shooting at a high school in western Canada, marking one of the country’s deadliest mass casualty incidents in recent years.
The attack occurred on Tuesday at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, where police said the assailant opened fire, killing several people. Authorities later found the suspect dead inside the school.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said six victims were discovered within the school premises. Two others were found dead at a residence believed to be linked to the incident, while another victim died while being transported to the hospital.
Police added that at least two people were hospitalized with serious or life-threatening injuries, while up to 25 others received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators confirmed that there are no additional suspects and assured the public that there is no ongoing threat.
Authorities released limited details about the attacker, describing the suspect as female. An earlier active shooter alert had identified a “female in a dress with brown hair.” Police Superintendent Ken Floyd later confirmed that the individual described in the alert was the same person found dead inside the school.
Officials have not disclosed a motive for the attack and did not specify how many of the victims were students.
The shooting took place in Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of about 2,400 residents, located roughly 1,155 kilometers northeast of Vancouver in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed sympathy for those affected by the tragedy.
“It’s hard to know what to say on a night like tonight. It’s the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places and not close to home,” he told reporters.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which serves about 160 students from grades seven through 12, has been closed for the remainder of the week. School officials said counseling services would be provided to students and staff as the community begins the process of healing.
