TUMBLER RIDGE, BC — A quiet community in northeastern British Columbia has been shattered by a mass casualty event that left 10 people dead and more than 25 injured on Tuesday. Canadian authorities confirmed on Wednesday, February 11, that they have identified the shooter responsible for the massacre at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, but are currently withholding her identity.
The shooting, which began around 1:20 PM local time, marks a rare and devastating escalation of gun violence in Canada, drawing grim parallels to school shootings more frequently seen in the United States.
1. The Suspect: “Woman in a Dress”
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have been tight-lipped about the shooter’s background, several details have emerged from emergency alerts and local media:
- Identification: RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed that investigators have identified the shooter but cited privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation as reasons for not releasing the name.
- The Description: During the active crisis, an emergency alert described the suspect as a woman with brown hair wearing a dress. Police later confirmed the deceased suspect found inside the school matched this description.
- The End of the Threat: Officers found the suspect dead inside the building from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
2. A Growing Death Toll: 10 Lives Lost
The scale of the tragedy expanded as investigators moved beyond the school grounds.
- The School Scene: At least eight individuals were killed at or near the school during the initial outburst.
- Linked Residence: In a chilling development, police discovered two additional victims dead at a residence believed to be linked to the suspect.
- Injuries: More than 25 people are currently being treated at regional hospitals, with several in critical condition.
3. The Investigation: Seeking a Motive
The RCMP Major Crime Unit has taken full control of the investigation. As of Wednesday morning, a motive for the attack remains a mystery.
- No Further Threat: Supt. Floyd assured the public that they believe the shooter acted alone. “We are not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” he told reporters.
- Victim Connections: Investigators are currently working to determine the relationship between the shooter and the victims at both the school and the private residence.
4. National Reaction
The shooting at Tumbler Ridge has sent shockwaves across Canada, a nation with significantly stricter gun laws than its southern neighbor.
“This is a dark day for British Columbia and all of Canada,” said a provincial spokesperson. “Our focus is on supporting the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence.”