Canada has been shaken by a devastating mass shooting that unfolded in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10, 2026. The attack, which struck both a local secondary school and a nearby home, resulted in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings in the country’s recent history.
The incident began in the early afternoon at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small public school serving students from grades 7 through 12. Local law enforcement received reports of an active shooter at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) quickly responded to the scene.
The Shooting Unfold
Upon entering the school, officers discovered several victims who had been shot. In the chaotic aftermath, six individuals were found dead inside the school building. Another victim later died while being transported to a hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities at the educational site to seven. Two additional bodies were discovered at a nearby residence believed to be linked to the attack, raising the confirmed death toll. In total, ten people lost their lives as a result of this violence, including the suspected shooter. At least 25 others were wounded, with some suffering serious or life-threatening injuries and requiring air evacuation to medical facilities outside the immediate area. Medical teams and emergency responders worked throughout the day to transport and treat those hurt in the shootings.
The Suspect and Investigation
Police discovered the suspected shooter deceased inside the school, an apparent result of a self-inflicted injury, indicating a murder-suicide scenario. Authorities described the individual as a female, though they have not publicly released her identity or provided details on her motive. Investigators are actively exploring how the suspect was connected to the victims and what may have driven her to carry out the attack. Law enforcement officials confirmed that there were no ongoing threats to the wider public, and an emergency alert that had urged residents to shelter in place was later lifted after the situation was contained.
Impact on the Community
Tumbler Ridge is a small, tight-knit town nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a population of just a few thousand people. The scale of loss and trauma has had a profound effect on the community, where families, students, and educators are struggling to process what occurred in what would normally be a safe and familiar environment. In the immediate aftermath, both the secondary school and other local schools were closed for the rest of the week, and mental health support services were mobilized to assist students, families, and first responders affected by the tragedy. Teachers, parents, and local officials described the scene as deeply distressing, emphasizing the need for communal support and healing.
National Response
Canada’s political leadership responded with messages of sorrow and solidarity. The Prime Minister expressed deep grief and offered condolences to the families and loved ones of victims. He also announced that he would cancel a planned international trip in order to remain in close contact with officials managing the response to this catastrophe. Provincial leaders also voiced their support, acknowledging both the bravery of emergency personnel who acted swiftly when called and the emotional toll on the entire province. Public figures across Canada highlighted the rarity of such events in the country while promising that authorities would pursue every line of inquiry to understand how and why the tragedy occurred.
A Rare Event in Canadian Context
Mass shootings remain relatively rare in Canada compared to some other countries, owing in part to strict firearm laws and cultural differences. Still, this attack stands as one of the most severe in the nation’s history, prompting renewed conversation about safety, prevention, and the complex factors that contribute to such violence. The investigation continues, and authorities have pledged to release further information as it becomes available.
