Why it’s trending today
A mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia has left multiple people dead and dozens injured, according to police and emergency officials.
The violence unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence, prompting lockdowns, emergency alerts, and swift response from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
This tragic event has captured international attention as one of the deadliest such incidents in Canada in years — and it’s now raising urgent questions about safety in small communities.
What happened — key facts
- Date and location: Feb. 10, 2026, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby home in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
- Fatalities: Police reports indicate 10 people are dead, including the suspected shooter.
- Injuries: At least 25 people were wounded, including individuals with serious or life-threatening injuries.
- Responders: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrived on scene within minutes and lifted lockdown hours later.
- School closure: Both the secondary school and elementary school in Tumbler Ridge will remain closed while support services are provided.
Sequence of events
Police say emergency calls around 1:20 p.m. local time reported an active shooter at the secondary school.
Officers responded quickly, initiating a lockdown and secure hold and dispatching additional resources from neighboring areas.
The suspected shooter, described earlier in alerts as a female wearing a dress with brown hair, was found dead at the school from an apparent self-inflicted wound.
Victims were discovered both inside the school and at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident.
What authorities say
RCMP officials have confirmed the identity of the suspected shooter but have not publicly released her name, citing privacy and investigatory reasons.
Police have also stated that they are still trying to determine any motive or connection between the shooter and the victims.
The emergency alert that went out to residents was canceled once the RCMP determined there was no longer a threat at the scene.
Human impact and community response
Tumbler Ridge is a small mountain town with roughly 2,400 residents — a close-knit community where schools are central gathering places.
Officials and residents are grieving. Local leaders and national figures, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, have expressed profound sorrow and offered condolences.
Counseling services and supports are being mobilized for families, students, and first responders affected by the violence.
Why this matters to the audience right now
Mass shootings are rare in Canada due to strict gun laws, making this event especially shocking.
For U.S. audiences, it’s a stark reminder that community safety issues are not confined by borders — and that school and public-space violence can occur even in small, rural settings with tight social bonds.
The scale of casualties and the involvement of a school also intensifies discussions about emergency preparedness, mental health support, and law enforcement coordination.
Where victims were found
Police and medical teams confirmed:
- Six people found dead inside the school.
- One victim died while being transported to a hospital.
- Two more were found dead at a residence believed connected to the shooting.
- Suspected shooter also died at the school.
At least two of the injured were airlifted to regional hospitals due to the severity of wounds.
Schools and lockdowns
Both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and the nearby elementary school were placed into lockdown during the response, and remain closed for the remainder of the week.
Parents and guardians reunited with students at a nearby community center once the emergency was declared over.
Official reactions
Canadian leaders have taken visible steps:
- Prime Minister Mark Carney called it an “unimaginable tragedy” and pledged national support.
- British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed sorrow and emphasized community care.
- RCMP continues to investigate connections and motives.
Next steps in the investigation
Authorities have said they may never know the precise motive, but are pursuing all available leads and evidence.
Search efforts in nearby properties linked to the shooter remain underway, as investigators work to piece together the full sequence of events.
Broader context
This shooting is one of the most serious in Canadian history in recent years, drawing parallels to rare but devastating past incidents.
The event has reignited conversations about public safety and emergency response across North America, especially in small-town and rural communities where resources are more limited.