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By Hannah Parry, Jordan King, John Feng, Amanda Castro, Hollie Silverman, Toby Meyjes, and Joshua Rhett Miller
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The suspect in the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, British Columbia, has been identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old trans woman.
Nine people died and at least 27 were injured when the suspect opened fire at the school on Tuesday. Two of the victims included Van Rootselaar's mother, 39, and step brother, 11, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said during a press conference on Wednesday.
Rootselaar, who was biologically male at birth and later identified as female, was later found dead from "what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury," RCMP said.
What To Know
- McDonald said that Van Rootselaar, a school dropout, had a gun license but that it had expired in 2024.
- Van Rootselaar's mother has been identified as Jennifer Strang, 39, originally from Lawn, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has 175 students from Grades 7 to 12. It is located 600 miles north of Vancouver, near the Alberta border
- Seven people were found dead in the school, including a suspect who appeared to have died of a “self-inflicted injury.”
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has suspended trips to Halifax, Nova Scotia and Munich, Germany, as a result of the attack
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Feb 11, 2026 at 07:50 PM EST
Conservative leader Poilievr says no parent should have to fear their child won’t return from school
Speaking in the House of Commons, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said that "no parent should ever have to fear that their child will not return home from school."
"No parent should ever bury their own child," he added in the wake of the mass shooting.
He also thanked Prime Minister Mark Carney for his "eloquent" words, adding "I'm sure, words that you never wanted to deliver on the floor of this chamber."
"As fathers we both know the feeling of sending our kids to school hoping that they'll play and perform, laugh and learn but most of all, come home to us and our loving arms at night," he said. "Children who should have been thinking about homework and hockey were instead thrown into terror, grief and unbearable uncertainty."
Feb 11, 2026 at 07:28 PM EST
What was the last major school shooting before Tumbler Ridge?
Tuesday's mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia was described by Canadian authorities as one of the deadliest school attacks in the nation’s recent history.
The last major school shooting in Canada before the Tumbler Ridge attack was the École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal on December 6, 1989. In that attack, a gunman targeting women on the campus of the engineering school killed 14 women and injured more than a dozen others before taking his own life.
The École Polytechnique incident stood as the deadliest school shooting in Canadian history and profoundly shaped national discussions on gun control and violence against women.
Feb 11, 2026 at 07:00 PM EST
Police were called out to Van Rootselaar’s home for mental health concerns on multiple occasions
Police have been called out to Jesse Van Rootselaar's home on multiple occasions for concerns over her mental health, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said during a press conference on Wednesday.
Van Rootselaar was held for assessment under the Mental Health Act.
On one of those visits, around two years ago, officers seized a number of firearms from the property under the criminal code.
Feb 11, 2026 at 06:25 PM EST
Police share insight on motive
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said during a press conference on Wednesday that investigators still were not sure what the suspect's motive was in the mass shooting.
Feb 11, 2026 at 06:00 PM EST
Thursday declared day of mourning in British Columbia
The Canadian province of British Columbia has declared that Thursday will be a day of mourning following the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
"The people of British Columbia mourn together with the people of Tumbler Ridge,” the legislature's three house leaders said in a statement.
"We are united and will continue to ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days."
The planned Throne Speech, which marks the first day of the spring legislative session, has been postponed.
Feb 11, 2026 at 05:21 PM EST
Father recounts son’s fear during Tumbler Ridge shooting
Bryan Castellarin said his 15‑year‑old son Ashton was inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School when gunfire erupted Tuesday, forcing students to huddle in a corner of their classroom for hours.
“They heard gunshots going off, dropped to the floor and stayed locked down for two to three hours,” Castellarin told the BBC. He said some classmates were crying and panicking, while Ashton tried to console them despite being shaken himself.
Castellarin added that his son described the ordeal as terrifying, with students unsure where the shots were coming from. Ashton was unharmed but remains anxious as he waits for news about friends.
Feb 11, 2026 at 05:08 PM EST
Carney offers condolences, calls for unity after Tumbler Ridge shooting
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow on Wednesday for the community of Tumbler Ridge, where a mass shooting killed at least nine people and injured dozens.
Speaking in the House of Commons after a moment of silence, Carney described the town as embodying “the very best of Canada: resilient, compassionate, and strong.” He said his government is working closely with provincial and local officials to provide support.
Switching to French, Carney reflected on the tragedy: “Yesterday morning, parents in Tumbler Ridge sent their children off to school, and some will never be able to hug their children again. These children and their teachers bore witness to unheard-of cruelty.”
Carney acknowledged that “important questions” and “difficult conversations” lie ahead, but stressed that the immediate focus must be on grieving and remembrance. “Now is for the people of Tumbler Ridge and the Peace River region – for a community that is enduring the unimaginable,” he said.
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:54 PM EST
Police say suspect’s home had prior visits, firearms seized
Royal Canadian Mounted Police officials confirmed Wednesday that officers had visited the family residence of the Tumbler Ridge shooting suspect several times in recent years, including for calls related to mental health.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said police seized firearms at the home about two years ago under the Criminal Code. Those weapons were later returned after the lawful owner successfully petitioned for them.
Following Tuesday’s attack, which left nine people dead and dozens injured, investigators recovered two firearms at the scene — a long gun and a modified handgun.
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:42 PM EST
Van Rootselaar’s mother identified
Jesse Van Rootselaar's mother has been identified as Jennifer Strang, 39, according to CBC>
Strang is originally from the small harbor town of Lawn, in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:29 PM EST
Tumbler Ridge’s history of resilience highlighted after tragedy
The small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where a school shooting left at least eight people dead Tuesday, has long been defined by resilience.
Founded in the 1980s as part of a provincial coal mining megaproject, the community of about 2,400 people was one of the province’s last “instant towns.” Its two coal mines, the town’s major employers, opened in 1983 but closed two decades later amid falling prices and market uncertainty.
Prime Minister Mark Carney told Parliament on Wednesday that residents supported one another through economic collapse and natural disasters, calling Tumbler Ridge “a resilient town built on the promise of the resource economy.” He praised its people as miners, teachers, construction workers, and families who consistently “show up for each other.”
Carney recalled how neighbors helped each other evacuate during wildfires, checked on seniors, and ensured no one was left behind — a spirit of solidarity now tested again in the wake of tragedy.
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:16 PM EST
Police say most victims in Tumbler Ridge shooting were young students
Royal Canadian Mounted Police officials said Wednesday that most of the victims in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting were children, with families still being notified of their conditions.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald told reporters that “most of our victims are quite young,” noting many were born in 2012 and 2013. Sergeant Vanessa Munn later clarified that the victims included three 12‑year‑old girls and two boys, ages 12 and 13.
McDonald emphasized that any public release of names would be coordinated with families to avoid compounding their grief. “This is incredibly traumatic,” he said. “We don’t want to create additional trauma for families that are dealing with probably the worst circumstances of their lives.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:03 PM EST
RCMP clarifies suspect identity delay, denies bullying reports
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said Wednesday that police have no information to suggest the Tumbler Ridge shooting suspect, Jesse, experienced bullying or difficulties at school related to gender transition. He noted Jesse dropped out of school about four years ago and was not attending at the time of the incident.
McDonald explained that authorities delayed confirming the suspect’s identity to ensure accuracy and to notify next of kin before making the information public.
The briefing concluded with McDonald reiterating that investigators are working carefully to establish facts surrounding the tragedy.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:49 PM EST
School district announces healing space for families
School District 59 Peace River South has announced it is launching a healing space for families in the wake of the school shooting.
Tumbler Ridge Community Centre will be set up with mental health professionals to assist with classmates and families of victims.
"Our community experienced a tragic and deeply traumatic event. We recognize that the trauma and impact of this loss are immeasurable. There is no timeline for how each of us will process this grief and immense loss, both individually and as a community. While words often feel inadequate in the face of such loss, coming together can help reduce isolation and remind us that we are not alone," the district said on social media.
"We have created a space at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre (340 Front Street in Tumbler Ridge) to allow our school community to come together over the next few days and as needed. All will be welcome to attend and connect. Mental health professionals will be present to walk alongside and provide support."
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:30 PM EST
Carney suspends schedule after Tumbler Ridge shooting
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney cleared much of his schedule on Wednesday following the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.
Early in the day, the prime minister’s office announced that his planned travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a subsequent flight to Munich for an international security conference were suspended. Carney had been scheduled to unveil new security measures and tour an affordable housing site before departing for Europe.
His revised schedule kept a caucus meeting in Ottawa and a statement in the House of Commons. Speaking to reporters, Carney held back tears as he said, “the nation mourns with” Tumbler Ridge.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:18 PM EST
Police say they have not found a note left behind by Van Rootselaar
Police say they have not recovered any note from Jesse Van Rootselaar who took their own life after the mass shooting.
However, he said it's possible one was written and just had not been found yet.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:15 PM EST
Jesse Van Rootselaar dropped out of school two years after she started her transition
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said said that Jesse Van Rootselaar had begun transitioning from male to female around six years ago.
She dropped out of school two years after starting her transition but McDonald said he hadn't found evidence she was being bullied or faced discrimination at the school.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:15 PM EST
Tumbler Ridge superintendent releases strategies for parents dealing with their child’s trauma after shooting
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Christy Fennell Superintendent has shared a list of tips and strategies for parents dealing with their children's trauma in the wake of the mass shooting.
They include suggestions like "listen more than you speak" and "provide facts."
Read the full list of suggestions below:
Importance of routine
Maintaining daily routines can provide a sense of stability and security for children and adults. It can also be important to give children permission to continue to find hope in their daily world.
Limit exposure to news stories on traditional and social media channels
Consider how you access news and how that may impact children nearby. Young children may not know how to make sense of the news they are seeing and can quickly become overwhelmed. Encourage older children to rely on reputable news sources, and where possible limit their consumption and exposure to upsetting coverage.
It is important to have conversations, and model with your own behaviors, and awareness of the additional traumatic impact for victims and families when upsetting images are re-circulated. We are respectfully suggesting that individuals do not watch,
share, or repost any photos, videos, or social media.
Acknowledge feelings
Our children and youth will look to us for cues on how to process this distressing and traumatic information. Acknowledging our own feelings gives children a model for how to express and process their strong emotions. It is normal to experience a range of emotions.
It is important to note that the intensity of these feelings will be influenced by a family’s connections to the event, their history of loss and trauma, and the degree of media exposure.
Listen more than you speak
Listen to your child’s concerns before offering any explanations. Give them an opportunity to voice their fears and ask age-appropriate, open-ended questions. Ask what they may have heard and what that information means to them. You may uncover
misconceptions and unfounded fears that need correcting. These questions will also help you understand if your child is coming from a place of concern or fear and will help you gain a sense of what your child may need from adults to feel safe and supported.
Provide facts
Tell the truth but do it gently. Keep conversations age appropriate: give your child facts, but ensure they are consistent with their stage of development. Children need to know their concerns and questions are being taken seriously by the adults around them and that they can trust their adults to be truthful with them. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST
U.S. Ambassador offers prayers after Tumbler Ridge shooting
Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, expressed condolences Wednesday following the deadly mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the community of Tumbler Ridge and all of British Columbia today,” Hoekstra said in a statement. “My personal prayer is that in these difficult times, they find the peace and comfort that only He can provide.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:57 PM EST
Who were the victims?
Nine people were killed in the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday, including a female educator, 39, three female students, all 12, and two male students, 12 and 13 RCMP said.
Jesse Van Rootselaar's mother, 39, and step-brother, 11, were also found dead at their home.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:53 PM EST
Police say no evidence yet that anyone was specifically targeted at school
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said Wednesday that they don't have any clear evidence, as of today, that the suspect specifically targeted anyone at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, British Columbia.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:52 PM EST
Police correct death toll issued yesterday
RCMP have corrected the death toll provided in the wake of the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, British Columbia.
Yesterday, police said that 10 were killed and at least 27 were injured in the mass shooting.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said Wednesday that the correct death toll was in fact nine. Police believed a female victim had died from her significant injuries after she was airlifted to hospital. She was later confirmed to still be alive.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:49 PM EST
Canada school shooting suspect identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar
The suspect in the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, British Columbia, has been identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old trans woman.
Rootselaar, who was biologically male at birth and later identified as female, had a license for their gun, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said.
The victims include Rootselaar's mother and step-brother.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:47 PM EST
RCMP probe motive after Tumbler Ridge shooting leaves nine dead: ICYM
Police say nine people were killed and 27 injured in Tuesday’s mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, including two victims found in a nearby residence. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that two of the injured remain in serious or life‑threatening condition.
At a news conference, RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said investigators are still working to understand the motive. “We are not in a place now to be able to understand why and what may have motivated this tragedy,” he told reporters.
Floyd said police believe they have identified the suspect but declined to release details, including whether the individual was a child. Authorities are also working to determine how many of the victims were students.
“I think we will struggle to determine the ‘why,’ but we’re gonna try and do our best to determine what transpired that day and what led up to this tragic event,” Floyd said.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:33 PM EST
Canada’s history of mass shootings amid Tumbler Ridge tragedy
Mass shootings remain relatively rare in Canada, where gun laws are stricter than in the United States. But Tuesday’s attack in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, which left nine dead and at least 25 injured, has renewed focus on past tragedies.
In December 1989, the Montreal massacre saw 14 women killed in an anti‑feminist attack at Polytechnique Montréal, prompting tighter gun laws and stricter background checks. In December 2014, a man in Edmonton killed six adults and two children before taking his own life in what police called a “senseless mass murder.”
In January 2017, six worshippers were killed and 19 injured in a shooting at Quebec City’s Islamic Cultural Centre. Shooter Alexandre Bissonnette was sentenced to life in prison.
Canada’s deadliest mass shooting occurred in April 2020, when a gunman disguised as a police officer killed 22 people in Nova Scotia. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a ban on 1,500 types of assault‑style weapons, followed by a national freeze on handgun sales.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:18 PM EST
King Charles expresses ‘shock and sadness’ after Tumbler Ridge shooting
King Charles III has issued a message of condolence following the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, calling it a “senseless act of brutal violence.”
“My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack,” the King wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. He expressed “deepest possible sympathy” to grieving families and praised the courage of police, health workers, and first responders.
“In such a closely connected town, every child’s name will be known and every family will be a neighbour,” the King said, adding that he and Queen Camilla “stand in solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge and all Canadians as they seek understanding, healing and strength.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:05 PM EST
École Polytechnique survivor Provost responds to Tumbler Ridge tragedy
Nathalie Provost, a Canadian MP who survived the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, reflected on the lasting trauma of mass violence in response to Tuesday’s school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
“I reflect with profound gravity on the suffering, sorrow, and trauma that such events leave behind – for the victims, their loved ones, and the entire community,” Provost wrote on social media Wednesday. She added that the tragedy “brutally shatters the sense of safety that should surround places of learning and growth, and marks a loss of innocence for many young people.”
In 1989, a gunman murdered 14 women at École Polytechnique, sparking a national reckoning on violence against women and leading to tighter gun laws. Prime Minister Mark Carney last year praised Provost’s advocacy, saying she “knows that guns designed to kill people don’t belong on our streets.”
Meanwhile, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said schools “should always be places of safety and care,” adding on X that “Manitoba stands with our friends and relatives in British Columbia as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 01:52 PM EST
Prince and Princess of Wales express solidarity after Tumbler Ridge shooting
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a message of support for Canadians in the wake of the Tumbler Ridge school shooting.
In a post on social media, they said they “stand with all Canadians” after the tragedy. “Our hearts are with the entire Tumbler Ridge community, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends affected by this devastating loss,” the statement read.
The couple also praised the courage of students, staff, and emergency responders who acted “with selflessness in the face of such violence.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 01:39 PM EST
Tumbler Ridge councillor mourns victims he knew personally
Tumbler Ridge town councillor Chris Norbury said he knew every victim of Tuesday’s school shooting, recalling his decade of work as a children’s librarian in the community.
Norbury’s wife teaches at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where the attack occurred. Speaking to CBC News’ The National, he described the victims as children he had watched grow up. “We sang stories together, we read books together… I saw them everywhere,” he said.
“And knowing that I can’t see them anymore, that we won’t see them anymore, that their family has to live with this incredible loss… is almost unbearable,” Norbury added. “I’m afraid for the rest of our community, feeling that loss.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 01:26 PM EST
RCMP withhold suspect identity in Tumbler Ridge shooting
Canadian police say they are not yet able to confirm the identity of the suspect in Tuesday’s mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, despite some local outlets reporting a name.
“We are unable to confirm identity publicly at this time,” Staff Sergeant Kris Clark, a senior media relations officer for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, told CNN on Wednesday. She added that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Police previously said they know who the suspect is but declined to release further details, including whether the individual was a child.
Feb 11, 2026 at 01:15 PM EST
Tumbler Ridge superintendent tells parents community experienced ‘deeply traumatic event’
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Christy Fennell Superintendent sent a letter out to parents on Wednesday, acknowledging that the "community experienced a tragic and deeply traumatic event" after the deadly shooting.
"We recognize that the trauma and impact of this loss are immeasurable," she said in the letter. " There is no timeline for how each of us will process this grief and immense loss, both individually and as a community. While words often feel inadequate in the face of such loss, coming together can help reduce isolation and remind us that we are not alone."
Fennell said the school was offering mental health professionals and support for families over the next few days at Tumbler Ridge Community Centre.
"Our priority at this time is taking care of each other and re-establishing a sense of safety in our community. It can be especially difficult to know how to reassure our children when we ourselves are trying to process and make sense of such profound loss. "Children may experience a wide range of emotions in response to what they hear or see, and they will look to the adults in their lives to help them feel safe and understand the world around them.
"Over the coming days or weeks, we encourage families to remain attentive to any changes in their child’s behaviour that may indicate a need for additional support."
Feb 11, 2026 at 01:00 PM EST
Poilievre mourns victims of Tumbler Ridge school shooting
Canada’s opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he was devastated by the “appalling shooting” at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as he headed into a caucus meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday.
“The fact that this took place at a secondary school, it makes it even more tragic,” Poilievre told reporters. “As a father, I can’t even imagine the phone calls that parents might have received. I can’t imagine the heartache and hell that they’re living through at this moment.”
The Conservative leader urged Canadians to unite in support of the families and community, adding that he would speak with Prime Minister Mark Carney to coordinate assistance. “I encourage all Canadians to pray for the community and pray for the family as we go forward and take the necessary steps to support them,” he said.
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:48 PM EST
Canada’s national Olympic team ‘heartbroken’ over mass shooting
The Canadian Olympic Committee said it was "heartbroken by the news of the horrific school shooting that occurred in British Columbia" as Team Canada competes in the winter games in Milan Cortina.
"Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who are injured, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. Team Canada stands with everyone affected as they navigate difficult days ahead," they added.
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:47 PM EST
Peace River South District offers support after Tumbler Ridge shooting
The Peace River South School District has established support services following the “tragic and deeply traumatic” mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
A dedicated space for students, staff, and families has been set up at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre, where mental health professionals will provide assistance in the coming days.
“We recognize that the trauma and impact of this loss are immeasurable. There is no timeline for how each of us will process this grief and immense loss, both individually and as a community,” Superintendent Christy Fennell wrote in a letter to families.
“While words often feel inadequate in the face of such loss, coming together can help reduce isolation and remind us that we are not alone,” she added.
Feb 11, 2026 at 12:04 PM EST
Visibly emotional Mark Carney tells victims’ families: ‘The nation mourns with you’
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney appeared shaken as he arrived at Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, telling reporters it was a "very difficult day” for the nation.
Carney then addressed the family of the victims, saying, "Parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love. The nation mourns with you. Canada stands by you. The world is with you."
He added that he had instructed flags on federal buildings to be flown at half mast for the next seven days, and said that federal public safety minister and British Columbia’s premier will be visiting Tumbler Ridge today in the wake of the mass shooting.
"We will get through this," he added. "But right now it is a time to come together, like Canadians do in these terrible situations. To support each other, to mourn together and to grow together."
Feb 11, 2026 at 11:40 AM EST
Canadian PM and party members will stand for moment of silence in House of Commons
Canada's House of Commons will not sit today. Instead Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and members of parliament will stand for a moment of silence in the House on Wednesday.
The moment, in honor of the victims of the ten people who died and 27 injured in one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history, will be followed by statements about the massacre at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, British Columbia, at 2 p.m.
The House will then adjourn for the day.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:58 AM EST
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Says More Medical Help Coming in
Darryl Krakowka, mayor of Tumbler Ridge, told CBC Radio's The Early Edition Wednesday that additional medical help is coming from other communities, including physicians, nurses and mental health counselors, CBC reported.
He said that help has been offered by several agencies and ministers from other provinces.
"I think that will help the families here," he said, adding, "We will get through this."
Krakowka told the CBC he was "overwhelmed" by the offers of help and condolences.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:45 AM EST
King Charles ‘saddened’ by ‘senseless act of brutal violence’
The British Royal family released a statement Wednesday, saying they were "profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia."
"We can only express our deepest possible sympathy to the families who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their loved ones and those still awaiting news from hospital," the statement read.
"We can only begin to imagine the appalling shadow that has now descended across Tumbler Ridge," the Royal family continued, adding, "Our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been so shattered by this senseless act of brutal violence."
The Royal family also commented on the closeness of the town and thanked the first responders for all of their hard work.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:23 AM EST
Tumbler Ridge councillor commends community’s strength after shooting
A local councillor in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has praised the resilience of his community following Tuesday’s deadly school shooting that left nine people dead.
Chris Norbury told CBC News he was grateful for the national and international support pouring in, but urged continued assistance. “Please continue to send any support you can because as much as I believe in Tumbler Ridge – I know we will get through this – we will definitely need all the support we can get,” he said.
Norbury, whose wife is a teacher and was among those locked down inside the school, said he personally knew many of the children affected. “I know these children. I’ve seen them grow up. I’ve interacted with them,” he said, adding that the loss is “almost unbearable.”
While police have not yet released the names of the victims or confirmed how many were children, Norbury emphasized that Tumbler Ridge is a “strong” and “resilient” community determined to recover from the tragedy.
Feb 11, 2026 at 10:08 AM EST
Tumbler Ridge Secondary to remain closed after deadly shooting
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, the site of Canada’s deadliest school shooting in decades, will remain closed for the rest of the week, district officials announced.
The school, which serves about 160 students in grades 7 through 12, is known for its close‑knit community and extracurricular programs spanning athletics and a student voice initiative. Its website highlights a “tremendous sense of community” fostered by strong relationships between staff and students.
Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the school also operates a fish farm as part of its educational offerings. A recent district newsletter outlined risk assessment procedures for student violence.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:55 AM EST
Canada’s deadliest mass casualty events in recent history
The school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, which left nine people dead and 25 injured, is among the worst mass casualty incidents Canada has faced in decades. While such attacks are rare compared with the United States, the country has endured several devastating events in recent years.
Major Incidents:
- April 2025 – Vancouver, British Columbia: Eleven killed and dozens injured when a man drove an SUV into a Filipino community festival.
- September 2022 – Weldon, Saskatchewan: Ten killed and 18 injured in a stabbing spree across two rural communities.
- April 2020 – Portapique, Nova Scotia: A gunman posing as a police officer murdered 22 people during a 12‑hour rampage, Canada’s deadliest modern‑era mass shooting.
- July 2018 – Toronto, Ontario: Two killed and 13 wounded when a man opened fire on a busy street before taking his own life.
- January 2017 – Quebec City, Quebec: Six worshipers killed and five wounded in a mosque shooting during evening prayers.
The Tumbler Ridge tragedy now joins this grim list.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:41 AM EST
What to know about Canada’s gun laws
The deadly attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, which left nine people dead and 25 injured, is likely to intensify scrutiny of Canada’s gun regulations. The suspect was later found dead of a self‑inflicted injury, police said.
Gun ownership in Canada is federally regulated under the Firearms Act, which requires weapons to be stored locked and unloaded. Buyers must undergo extensive background checks and obtain a licence. As of 2021, more than 2.2 million Canadians—about 7.7 percent of adults—held firearm licences, with an estimated 10 million guns in circulation nationwide. A national freeze on handgun sales and transfers has been in place since 2022.
Despite stricter laws than most U.S. states, Canada has experienced several mass shootings in recent years. In 2020, a gunman killed 22 people in Nova Scotia, prompting a ban on many assault‑style weapons. Other deadly attacks include the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting, the 2016 La Loche school shooting in Saskatchewan, and the 1989 massacre at Montréal’s École Polytechnique.
While mass shootings remain rare compared with the United States, gun‑related killings as a share of homicides are higher in Canada than in England, Wales, or Australia.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:29 AM EST
Canadian Olympic Committee mourns victims of school shooting
The Canadian Olympic Committee issued a statement Tuesday expressing sorrow over the deadly school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, which left nine people dead.
“We are heartbroken by the news of the horrific school shooting that occurred in British Columbia,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who are injured, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. Team Canada stands with everyone affected as they navigate difficult days ahead.”
Several athletes currently competing at the Winter Games in Milan hail from the province where the attack occurred, underscoring the tragedy’s impact across communities at home and abroad.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:16 AM EST
Canada’s gun buyback program back in focus after Tumbler Ridge shooting
Canada’s government has spent years advancing a buyback program targeting “military‑style assault rifles,” a policy first unveiled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in April 2020 after the country’s deadliest mass shooting in Nova Scotia left 22 people dead.
The ban made it illegal to sell, transport, import, or use 1,500 models of assault‑style weapons, with an amnesty period for owners to comply. That deadline has been extended multiple times, with the current cutoff set for October.
It remains unclear what weapon was used in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting, which killed nine people this week, or how it was obtained.
Gun violence in Canada is comparatively low among OECD nations. According to a 2023 Small Arms Survey, Canada ranked eighth with 0.8 firearm deaths per 100,000 people—well below Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, the United States, Turkey, Chile, and Israel, but higher than Belgium and Sweden.
Feb 11, 2026 at 09:03 AM EST
How and when the shooting unfolded
Police say at least nine people were killed Tuesday in a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northern British Columbia.
Authorities received reports of an active shooter around 1:20 p.m. local time. Within minutes, alarms sounded inside the school, triggering a lockdown as students barricaded classrooms. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a shelter‑in‑place warning for the town, urging residents to stay indoors.
Six victims were found dead at the school, another died en route to the hospital, and two more were discovered at a nearby home. Around 25 others were wounded. The suspect, initially described as a woman with brown hair wearing a dress, was later found dead of what police believe was a self‑inflicted injury.
By 5:45 p.m., the RCMP lifted the emergency alert, saying there was no ongoing threat. Superintendent Ken Floyd said investigators are still working to determine a motive.
Feb 11, 2026 at 08:50 AM EST
Canada’s deadliest school shooting in decades revives debate on mass violence
Tuesday’s attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, which left nine people dead, is the worst school shooting Canada has seen in decades. The last incident of a similar scale occurred in 1989, when a gunman killed 14 women at Montréal’s École Polytechnique.
Mass shootings remain rare in Canada, but several deadly incidents have shaken the country in recent years. In December 2022, five people were killed in a condominium shooting near Toronto. In 2020, a gunman murdered 22 people during a rampage in Nova Scotia, prompting calls for stricter gun laws. In 2017, six worshipers were killed in a Quebec City mosque attack, while in 2016, four people died in a school shooting in Saskatchewan.
Not all tragedies have involved firearms. In April 2025, a driver plowed into a crowd at a Vancouver street festival, killing at least 11 people in what police described as “the darkest day” in the city’s history.
The Tumbler Ridge shooting now stands among the country’s most devastating acts of violence.
Feb 11, 2026 at 08:37 AM EST
What you need to know: Nine dead in British Columbia school shooting
At least nine people were killed Tuesday in a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small community in northern British Columbia.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the suspected gunman, initially described as a woman with brown hair wearing a dress, was also found dead after opening fire inside the school.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary, which enrolls about 160 to 175 students, is considered the heart of the town, located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The tragedy has shaken the isolated community, where the school serves as a central gathering place.
Feb 11, 2026 at 08:23 AM EST
UK PM Keir Starmer reacts to Canada shootings
The United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the House of Commons, in London, on Wednesday: "This morning I conveyed the UK's deepest condolences to Prime Minister Carney and the people of Canada for the devastating shooting in Tumbler Ridge."
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Feb 11, 2026 at 08:04 AM EST
International response to Canada shootings
Multiple world leaders have spoken out about the mass shootings, including the following:
French President Emmanuel Macron:
"Horror has struck a school in Tumbler Ridge, Canada. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire educational community. France stands alongside the Canadian people."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz:
"This morning we received terrible news from Canada. The school shooting, which claimed numerous lives, has deeply shaken us. Our thoughts are with the people of Tumbler Ridge as they mourn their families, friends, and loved ones. I wish those who were injured a swift recovery."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic attack in Tumbler Ridge secondary school. I send my sincere condolences to all Canadians impacted by this horrific event. Australian hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims and we are all thinking of those injured."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
"Deeply shocked by the horrendous shooting in Canada. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada in this moment of profound grief."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky:
"We are shocked by the news of the shooting at a school in Tumbler Ridge, Canada. When children are killed, no one should remain indifferent. Such tragedies should never happen anywhere, in any country in the world.
"We hope that all those who were injured will recover quickly. On behalf of all Ukrainians, I express our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones, to all Canadians, and to Prime Minister Mark Carney."
Feb 11, 2026 at 07:54 AM EST
Outpouring of grief from local figures
There has been an outpouring of grief from figures in Tumbler Ridge, including from Darryl Krakowka, who told CBC: "I will know every victim. I've been here 19 years, and we're a small community."
Tumbler Ridge town councillor Chris Norbury, whose wife teaches at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, told the BBC World Service: "It was terrifying, it's hard to put into words the dread and the fear that you feel knowing that a loved one is in danger."
Local Tumbler Ridge journalist Trent Ernst, told Canada's CBC News: "While I was there I kept hearing reports that more and more places downtown were being shut down. There is a sense of these things that happen elsewhere, they don't happen here. That has been shattered."
Feb 11, 2026 at 06:53 AM EST
Timeline of what we know so far about Canada shootings
Here is a step-by-step timeline (in local time zones) of how the deadly shootings in Canada took place on Tuesday:
- 1:20 p.m. - police recieve a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and issue a Police Initiated Public Alert (PIPA)
- 1:22 p.m. - police arrive within two minutes, British Columbia's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger said
- 1:30 p.m. - Tumbler Ridge Secondary School goes into lockdown, student Darian Quist, 17, told CBC
- Around 4:00 p.m. - school lockdown ends and RCMP officers escort students out the building, according to Quist's account
- 5.45 p.m. - police cancel their earlier alert after determining there are no "outstanding suspects"
- That evening - RCMP Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd holds a virtual press conference confirming the death toll and injuries
Feb 11, 2026 at 06:23 AM EST
What we know so far about the shootings in Canada
Tuesday saw Canada's deadliest mass shooting since 2020 - here is what we know about it so far:
Where did the Canada shootings take place?
The attacks took place at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby home where others were found dead.
How many died in the Canada shootings?
A total of 10 people died in the shootings:
- Six were found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School
- The suspect was found dead with "what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury," making the toll seven
- An eighth victim died while being transported to hospital
- A ninth and 10th victim were found dead at the nearby house police "believe to be connected to the incident"
This death toll is from the most recent statement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), published on Tuesday. Newsweek has contacted RCMP, via email outside of normal working hours, for further information.
How many were injured in the Canada shootings?
- Two victims have been airlifted to hospital with serious or life‑threatening injuries
- Around 25 others have been assessed and treated for wounds - the severity of these are unclear
Is there a suspect at large?
"Police do not believe there are any outstanding suspects or ongoing threat to the public," the RCMP said after cancelling its Police Initiated Public Alert (PIPA) late on Tuesday afternoon.
Feb 11, 2026 at 05:58 AM EST
New image shows students exiting Tumbler Ridge school
A screengrab from a video shows students exiting Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, some with their hands above their heads, after the deadly shooting on Tuesday.
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Feb 11, 2026 at 05:41 AM EST
More than 2,500 assault-style firearms banned in Canada
More than 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms have been banned in Canada since May 2020, according to Public Safety Canada.
The bans came after the country's deadliest mass shooting took place in Nova Scotia in April 2020, when a total of 23 people died, including the attacker.
Feb 11, 2026 at 05:26 AM EST
What we still don’t know
At least nine people were killed during two shootings on Tuesday, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby home. The suspect was also found dead, "with what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury."
We still don't know the following:
- The identity of the suspect
- What firearm was used
- The motive behind the shootings
- The connection between the school, where seven people were killed and the suspect was found dead, and the home where two people were found dead
- Whether the two victims airlifted to hospital with serious or life‑threatening injuries will survive
- How severely the other 25 are wounded
Feb 11, 2026 at 05:02 AM EST
Australian Prime Minister reacts to shootings
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a post on X: "I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic attack in Tumbler Ridge secondary school. I send my sincere condolences to all Canadians impacted by this horrific event. Australian hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims and we are all thinking of those injured."
Feb 11, 2026 at 05:00 AM EST
German Chancellor responds to shootings
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spoken out about the shootings, saying in a post on X: "This morning we received terrible news from Canada. The school shooting, which claimed numerous lives, has deeply shaken us. Our thoughts are with the people of Tumbler Ridge as they mourn their families, friends, and loved ones. I wish those who were injured a swift recovery."
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:54 AM EST
Gun laws in Canada
Canadian residents must hold a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) issued under federal law in order to legally possess and acquire firearms; to get one, applicants must pass the required safety training (the Canadian Firearms Safety Course) and renew the licence every five years, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's guidance.
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:43 AM EST
British Columbia shootings deadliest since 2020
Tuesday's shootings, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary school and a nearvy house, are the deadliest since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that left another nine dead, according to the Associated Press.
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:41 AM EST
Emmanuel Macron responds to Canada school shooting
French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken out about the shooting in a post on X, saying: "Horror has struck a school in Tumbler Ridge, Canada. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire educational community. France stands alongside the Canadian people."
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:39 AM EST
Satellite photo shows Tumbler Ridge Secondary School
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Feb 11, 2026 at 04:36 AM EST
Map shows where Canada school shooting took place
Newsweek has created a locator map showing where the school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School took place.
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:32 AM EST
Two more found dead at nearby home
On top of the eight dead at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, including the suspect, two more were found dead at a nearby home, Canadian authorities said Tuesday, accoridng to the Associated Press.
The dead include:
- Seven found dead at the school, including the suspect
- An eighth person died while being transported to a hospital
- Two who were found dead at a nearby home
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:28 AM EST
Mark Carney suspends trip to Germany after shooting
The Canadian PM was set to travel to Halifax, in Germany, mid-day Wednesday to announce a defence industrial strategy, before flying to Munich for the Munich Security Conference taking up the rest of the week.
But his office said he is now postponing the trip "for the time being," The Albertan reported.
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:28 AM EST
Student tells about lockdown during shooting
Student Darian Quist, 17, spoke to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) about how he and his classmates had to use tables to barricade doors.
"I think, for a while, I didn't think anything was going on," he said, before news about the shooting started circulating on their phones.
"It was definitely tense. I think we were all very nervous … trying to keep each other motivated and not fall into grief," he said. "But once people sent me some photos, at that point it set in what was actually happening."
He said he did not hear any of the shooting, but waited for around two and a half hours before police escorted him and his classmates out.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:45 AM EST
British Columbia Premier David Eby responds to shooting
Eby said in a post on X: "Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones. Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy."
He also shared support resources for families in a separate post.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:42 AM EST
Mark Carney responds to shooting
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a post on X: "I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence.
"I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens.
"Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other.
"I have connected with Premier Eby to express my condolences, and with the Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, who is coordinating the federal response.
"Our officials are in close contact with their counterparts to ensure the community is fully supported as best we can. The Government of Canada stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy."
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:38 AM EST
Is there an ongoing threat?
Officers did initially issue a Police Initiated Public Alert (PIPA), but they had cancelled it by 5:45 p.m local time, after concluding that "there are any outstanding suspects or ongoing threat to the public."
All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated from the school.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:34 AM EST
Eight dead and 25 injured in school shooting
Seven people, including the suspect, were found dead inside the school when police responded to reports of a shooting, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement. Another victim died while being transported to hospital.
Two victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life‑threatening injuries.
Some 25 people are being treated for injuries.
Feb 11, 2026 at 02:25 AM EST
What do we know about the suspect?
A suspect was one of the seven found dead when police arrived at the scene, local police said in a statement. They appeared to have died from a "self-inflicted injury."
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd told reporters that the suspect had been identified but he has not yet released her name. A motive is not yet clear either and police do not know anything about whether they had any connection to the victims.
A shelter-in-place alert from the police when the attacker was still considered an active shooter, described the suspect as “female in a dress with brown hair.”
Feb 11, 2026 at 01:48 AM EST
Mark Carney ‘devastated’ by shooting
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in statement on X that he was devastated by the shooting in Tumbler Ridge.
“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” he wrote.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
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