Canada faces a national tragedy after a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, claimed nine lives and injured 27 others earlier this week. The incident occurred on February 10 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where seven victims were fatally shot. Two additional victims were discovered at a nearby residence linked to the attack.
Authorities confirmed the suspected shooter, identified as a transgender woman, was found deceased at the school with an apparent self-inflicted injury. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation, urging unity and vowing to "learn from this," while ordering flags on federal buildings lowered to half-mast for seven days.
Local journalist Trent Ernst, who documented the initial lockdown, described the escalating death toll as "unexpected" during his coverage. Schools across the region remain closed indefinitely as grief counselors support traumatized communities.
This marks Canada's deadliest school violence incident in over a decade, reigniting debates about public safety and mental health support systems. Investigations into the shooter's motives and access to firearms are ongoing.
