A mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has left ten people dead, including the suspected female shooter, in what authorities are calling one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in Canadian history.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that the shooting occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at approximately 1:20 PM local time in the small mountain community of Tumbler Ridge, located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a population of fewer than 2,400 residents.
The Attack: Timeline and Details
According to RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd, six victims were found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which serves 175 students from grades 7 through 12. One additional victim died while being transported to hospital, bringing the school-related death toll to seven.
Two more victims were discovered deceased at a nearby residential property that police believe was connected to the incident. The suspected shooter, described by authorities as a female dressed in brown hair and wearing a dress, was also found dead inside the school building from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"Multiple injuries and multiple deceased were inside the school as officers progressed through the scene. We have the scene secured right now. We have investigators there to try to determine the nature of the incident."
— RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd
The shooting prompted an immediate lockdown of the school and a shelter-in-place order for the entire community. An active shooter alert described the suspect as "female in a dress with brown hair" before she was found deceased.
Casualties and Medical Response
In addition to the ten fatalities, at least 25 people were injured in the attack. Two victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while approximately 25 others with non-life-threatening injuries were treated at a local medical center.
Emergency medical services responded rapidly to the scene, with multiple ambulances and medical helicopters dispatched to provide immediate care. Hospitals in the region activated emergency protocols to handle the influx of patients.
Community and Government Response
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his shock over what he called a "terrible shooting," and was forced to cancel his scheduled trip to the Munich Security Conference in Germany to address the national tragedy.
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as an "unimaginable tragedy" that has devastated the close-knit community.
The small town of Tumbler Ridge, situated in the Peace River Regional District near the Alberta border, rarely experiences violent crime of this magnitude. Community support services have been mobilized for affected students, staff, and families.
Investigation and Security Response
RCMP confirmed they have identified the suspected shooter and do not believe there were any additional perpetrators or ongoing threats to public safety. The investigation is being led by the Islamabad Capital Territory Police working in coordination with federal agencies.
Forensic specialists have been deployed to examine evidence at both the school and the connected residential property. The motive for the attack remains unknown, and authorities have not released details about the shooter's identity pending notification of next of kin.
"The scene was very dramatic and several victims are still receiving medical attention. It's too early to say whether the death toll will increase."
— RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd
Historical Context and School Safety
This incident represents one of the deadliest mass casualty events in Canadian history, bringing to Canada the type of mass shooting more commonly associated with the neighboring United States. The attack occurred despite Canada's stricter gun control laws compared to its southern neighbor.
The shooting adds to concerns about school safety protocols and emergency preparedness in remote communities. Tumbler Ridge Secondary School had implemented standard lockdown protocols, which were activated successfully during the incident.
Previous notable school shootings in Canada include the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, which resulted in 14 deaths, and the 2006 Dawson College shooting, which killed one student and wounded 19 others.
International Reaction
The tragedy has drawn international attention and condolences from world leaders. The incident has been covered extensively by international media, highlighting the global shock at such a rare occurrence in Canada.
Countries around the world, including those with their own experiences of school violence, have expressed solidarity with Canada and offered support during this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation
The RCMP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the suspect gained access to the school and the weapon used in the attack. Investigators are also examining the connection between the school shooting and the deaths at the nearby residence.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely only on official sources for information about the ongoing investigation. The school and surrounding area remain secured as forensic teams continue their work.
Mental health support services have been made available to students, staff, and community members affected by the tragedy. The long-term impact on the small community of Tumbler Ridge is expected to be significant, requiring ongoing support and resources for recovery.
This developing story continues to unfold as investigators work to piece together the events that led to one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history.