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What is the Tumbler Ridge School Shooting?
The Tumbler Ridge school shooting of February 10, 2026, represents one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history, with 10 fatalities including the perpetrator at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. This tragic event has shocked the nation and drawn international attention to the small remote community of approximately 2,400 residents located 600 miles north of Vancouver.
Breaking News: Timeline and Details of the Attack
According to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reports, the shooting began around 1:20 PM MST on February 10, 2026, when authorities received active shooter alerts. The attack unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which serves about 175 students in grades 7-12. Police responded within two minutes of the initial reports, finding a devastating scene that would claim 10 lives.
Victim Breakdown and Response
The RCMP confirmed that six victims were found dead inside the school building, while a seventh victim died en route to the hospital. Two additional victims were discovered at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the shooting. The female perpetrator died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school scene. In total, 25 people were transported to hospitals for treatment, with at least two suffering life-threatening injuries.
Emergency alerts were issued across Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd, and Dawson Creek at 3:15 PM MT, instructing residents to shelter in place. The alerts were lifted at 6:45 PM MT when police confirmed there was no ongoing threat to public safety. The 2025 Uvalde school shooting response comparisons highlight different emergency protocols between countries.
Community Impact and Political Response
Tumbler Ridge, a tight-knit community of about 2,400 people, has been devastated by the tragedy. Mayor Darryl Krakowka stated he likely knows every victim personally in the small town. All schools in Tumbler Ridge remain closed for the week as the community grieves.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound devastation, stating: "I am devastated by the horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge. My heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims, and I join all Canadians in mourning those whose lives have been irreversibly changed." Carney canceled his planned trip to the Munich Security Conference to coordinate the federal response.
British Columbia Premier David Eby offered provincial support, saying: "The province will provide all support to community members in the coming days as we all try to process this unimaginable tragedy." The Canadian gun control legislation debate has intensified following this incident.
Historical Context: Canada's School Shooting Record
This tragedy marks the third-deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history and the deadliest school shooting since the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, which claimed 14 lives. Unlike the United States, which experiences hundreds of school shootings annually, Canada has historically had far fewer incidents due to stricter gun control laws.
Canada vs. United States: School Shooting Statistics
| Country | Annual School Shootings | Gun Laws | Notable Incidents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Less than 1 per year | Strict licensing, background checks, assault weapon bans | 1989 Montreal (14 dead), 2026 Tumbler Ridge (10 dead) |
| United States | Over 87 per year | Varies by state, Second Amendment protections | 2022 Uvalde (21 dead), 2012 Sandy Hook (26 dead) |
According to research from gun violence prevention organizations, Canada has experienced only about 11 school shooting deaths in primary and secondary schools throughout its history when using strict definitions, compared to thousands in the United States over the same period.
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
The RCMP Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the shooter's motive and connections to victims. Police have identified the perpetrator as female but have not released her name for privacy reasons. The investigation includes examining the relationship between the shooter and the two victims found at the nearby residence.
Key questions remain unanswered:
- What was the shooter's relationship to the school and victims?
- What weapons were used in the attack?
- Were there warning signs that could have prevented the tragedy?
- How will this impact Canada's gun control policies?
FAQ: Tumbler Ridge School Shooting 2026
How many people died in the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
Ten people died, including the shooter. Six victims were found at the school, one died en route to hospital, and two were discovered at a nearby home.
Where is Tumbler Ridge located?
Tumbler Ridge is a remote community of approximately 2,400 people in northeastern British Columbia, about 600 miles north of Vancouver.
How does this compare to other Canadian school shootings?
This is the second-deadliest school shooting in Canadian history, surpassed only by the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre (14 dead).
What was the government response?
Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled international travel to coordinate federal support, while British Columbia Premier David Eby promised provincial assistance for the grieving community.
Are schools in Tumbler Ridge open?
All Tumbler Ridge schools remain closed for the week following the shooting as the community mourns and authorities continue their investigation.
Sources
CBC News: Tumbler Ridge Active Shooter Alert
The Guardian: Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Live Updates
