At least nine people were killed and dozens were injured in a shooting at a school in Tumbler Ridge, Canada, on Tuesday. Police confirmed that the suspected gunman died from a self-inflicted injury.
Authorities said six victims were found dead inside the local high school, while two others were discovered at a nearby residence and are believed to be connected to the same incident.
The Tumbler Ridge detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the school early Tuesday afternoon. In a statement, police said they were securing the area and assessing the scale of casualties and injuries.
Investigators confirmed that one suspect has been found dead. However, they are still examining reports suggesting the possible involvement of a second shooter. In an earlier alert, police had described a suspect as a female wearing a dress with brown hair.
An emergency alert was issued shortly after 2 pm, urging residents to shelter in place, lock their doors, and remain indoors while police handled the situation.
According to The Globe and Mail, an RCMP spokesperson said officials are still working to determine the full extent of the incident, including the total number of victims and whether the suspect acted alone. Staff Sergeant Clark noted that such situations are often chaotic in their early stages, with multiple unverified reports emerging.
“Incidents like this are always chaotic and often generate reports of multiple shooters,” he said, adding that investigators are working to establish the exact sequence of events.
Police have not yet released the identities of the victims, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre has been placed under Code Orange, indicating a mass casualty situation and a major emergency response, with restricted access measures now in effect, The Globe and Mail reported, citing Northern Health spokesperson Eryn Collins.
