10 dead, including shooter in Tumbler Ridge, BC school massacre, suspect described as 'gun person' who was 'wearing dress with brown hair'

A school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia left 10 dead and 25 injured on Tuesday night. The RCMP said that the shooter is among the dead after a self-inflicted gun shot.

A motive for the rampage, which occured before 1:20 pm local time, at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence has not yet been determined and North District commander Ken Floyd of the British Columbia RCMP has declined to identify the shooter in any way.

However, a police alert earlier in the day stated that the suspect was a "female in a dress with brown hair." 

RCMP later referred to the deceased suspect as a "gun person."

Tumbler Ridge is a small town in eastern BC, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with a population of about 2,400. Tumbler Ridge Secondary School is for grades 7-12 and there are only about 160 students. The high school, as well as the town's elemetary school and Nothern Lights College, will be closed for the remainder of the week.

When police were alerted to the threat at about 1:20 pm, they responded to the school and entered the building. The shooter was found dead and six others were found dead inside the school. Another victim died on the way to a hospital and two others were found in a nearby home.

"This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response," Floyd said. 

"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 cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation."

Canadian PM Mark Carney posted on X late Tuesday night, saying "I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence.  

"I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens. Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other.  

"I have connected with Premier Eby to express my condolences, and with the Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, who is coordinating the federal response. Our officials are in close contact with their counterparts to ensure the community is fully supported as best we can. The Government of Canada stands with all British Columbians as they confront this horrible tragedy."