10 dead, including suspect, in mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Multiple victims found deadened after fighting(a) crap-shooter cover in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.: RCMP

1 suspect dead in school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. | Hanomansing Tonight

Worried parents and high emotions in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., after active shooter alert

RCMP said police will be investigating "the full circumstances surrounding this incident."

"This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift co-operation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” North District Chief Supt. Ken Floyd wrote in a statement.

"Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the co-operation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation."

Police said they don’t believe there are any other suspects, or any ongoing risk to the public. They said they are searching other homes and properties in the community to find anyone else who may be injured or linked to today’s incident. 

Additional RCMP officers, including those with the Major Crime Unit, are being sent to the community to work on the investigation.  

The RCMP says officers are working with the local school district to ensure students are united with their parents and guardians.

RCMP have confirmed that 10 people are dead after a shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Six people were found dead inside the high school, and police say another person died on the way to hospital. 

Two more people were found dead at a residence that police believe is connected to the incident.

The shooter was confirmed dead earlier this afternoon. Police said the suspect was found dead inside the school from what they described as a "self-inflicted injury."

Two people were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Another 25 people are being assessed for injuries at the local medical centre, police said. 

Tumbler Ridge Elementary School has also said police officers are allowing students to be released to parents and guardians.

The elementary school is located a little less than a kilometre north of the secondary school.

RCMP lifted the the public alert for Tumbler Ridge and the surrounding area at about 6:45 p.m. MT. The shelter in place has been lifted and people can return to their activities, police said. 

A Tumbler Ridge pastor is also offering support to those in the community affected by the unfolding situation. 

"It's a very closely knit community," said George Rowe, describing the small municipality he's called home for 35 years. "We all share this tragedy as if it was my family, or my neighbour's family."

Rowe, who was a substitute teacher at the high school for eight years, said he's concerned about the emotional and mental health of residents, especially those connected to the school and first responders. 

He and other pastors are available for counselling and guidance, he said. 

"It’s going to take us some time to get our head wrapped around this and move forward."

Retired RCMP major crimes investigator Bruce Pitt-Payne says he believes police will take what they learned from the 2020 mass shooting in Portapique, N.S., that left 22 people dead, and apply it to this situation.

He said it's not unusual that police aren't releasing much information about the situation or any potential casualties at this point. 

"The police are going to have their work cut out for them right now."

Northern Lights College has said its Tumbler Ridge campus — which is located in the northeast wing of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School — will be closed for the rest of the week.

"Our thoughts are with the families and the community of Tumbler Ridge at this time," the college said in a statement posted to social media.

The college's administrative office is in Dawson Creek, around 85 kilometres northeast of Tumbler Ridge. Northern Lights has five campuses in the Peace region.

Worried parents and high emotions in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., after active shooter alert

Tumbler Ridge Lines publisher Trent Ernst reflects on how the police alert about an active shooter is affecting his tight-knit community.

trent river Enrst, newspaper publisher of local intelligence outlet Tumbler ridgeline Lines, said all roadstead to the school were blocked off when he went to find out what was going on this afternoon. 

He said rumours about what happened are already flying around the community, creating a lot of concern among parents in particular.

"People are definitely worried," he said. 

He got emotional as he described the community as a quiet and safe place, adding that people feel like it's a place where emergencies like this don't happen. 

"That's been shattered," he said. 

In a statement, the District of Tumbler Ridge said its community experienced a "deeply distressing incident" today and asked residents to rely on official updates from the RCMP and other authorities.

It added that the situation was still unfolding, as of 5:20 p.m. MT, and said additional supports were on their way to assist.

"In the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process," the statement reads.

"Please check in on one another, lean on available supports, and know that Tumbler Ridge is a strong and caring community. We will get through this together."

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