Canada School Shooting: Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Closed, Female Shooter Suspected
A tragic shooting incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, has resulted in at least 10 fatalities, including the suspected shooter, who is described as female by police. The event, which occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, marks one of the deadliest school shootings in Canada in recent decades, prompting widespread shock and grief.
Details of the Shooting and Casualties
According to reports from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the shooting unfolded with devastating consequences. Six individuals were found deceased inside the high school building, while two more victims were discovered at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident. Additionally, one person succumbed to injuries while en route to the hospital, bringing the total death toll to 10.
Beyond the fatalities, the incident left numerous others injured. Police confirmed that at least two people were hospitalized with serious or life-threatening wounds, and approximately 25 individuals received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The scale of the violence has overwhelmed local emergency services and community resources.
Timeline of Events and Police Response
The shooting began around 1:20 p.m. local time when police received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Officers arrived on the scene within minutes, responding swiftly to the crisis. By 1:30 p.m., lockdown alarms were activated throughout the school, instructing teachers and students to secure classroom doors and take cover.
Darian Quist, a Grade 12 student at the school, described the harrowing experience. He told CBC Radio West that the alarm sounded shortly after he arrived in class. Realizing it was not a drill, Quist and his classmates quickly barricaded themselves inside by pushing tables against the doors. They remained locked in the classroom for nearly two hours, during which some students circulated disturbing images from other parts of the school, depicting blood and the unfolding chaos.
Community Impact and Official Statements
In response to the shooting, the RCMP issued a "shelter in place" warning for Tumbler Ridge residents, advising them to lock their doors and stay indoors until further notice. Police later confirmed that a suspect had been found dead but were investigating the possibility of a second suspect involved in the attack.
By 5:45 p.m., the emergency alert was called off, with authorities stating they did not believe there were any outstanding suspects or ongoing threats to the public. The school has been closed for the remainder of the week, and counseling services are being offered to students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.
Political and Public Reaction
Nina Krieger, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of British Columbia, addressed the media in a press conference following the shooting. She expressed condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting the community during this difficult time. The incident has sparked renewed debates about gun control and school safety measures in Canada.
As investigations continue, the small town of Tumbler Ridge grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, highlighting the urgent need for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
