Police in British Columbia have confirmed a tragic school shooting incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School that has left 10 people dead and 25 others injured. The suspected shooter is now believed to be deceased, according to official statements from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Emergency Response and Shelter-in-Place Order
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday, February 10. Staff Sergeant Kris Clark verified there were multiple victims following the horrific incident, with the toll later confirmed as 10 fatalities and 25 injuries.
An emergency alert was issued to residents in Tumbler Ridge and nearby areas around 3:15pm local time. In the alert, police advised people to remain indoors and shelter in place. The RCMP specifically stated: "Those in the Tumbler Ridge area are asked to stay inside and shelter in place, lock your doors and refrain from leaving your home or business at this time."
Police Investigation and School Lockdowns
Police entered the school to investigate the reports while an air ambulance was dispatched to the scene to assist with medical emergencies. School District 59 confirmed that both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School were placed on lockdown during the shocking incident.
All available police officers in the area have been dispatched to Tumbler Ridge to assist with the investigation and community response. Local news indicates that emergency services from surrounding regions have also been mobilized to support the remote community.
Suspect Information and Ongoing Investigation
The suspect was initially described by local media outlet CJDC-TV News as a woman with brown hair dressed in a dress. However, police have now confirmed that the suspected shooter is believed to be deceased.
In an update, Staff Sergeant Clark stated: "The original suspect is believed to have been located deceased. Work continues to determine whether a second suspect was involved and the total number of victims involved."
Officers are currently working to determine whether anyone else was implicated in the shooting, with investigations continuing into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event in the remote Canadian town.
