Canada school shooting: RCMP officers in northeastern British Columbia responded Tuesday to what police described as a confirmed active shooter incident at Tumbler Ridge High School, with authorities warning residents to take cover as investigators worked to determine the number of victims and whether more than one suspect was involved.
According to local media, an emergency alert issued by the RCMP shortly after 2 p.m. PT covered a wide area around Tumbler Ridge, including Chetwynd and Dawson Creek, as police said there were “multiple casualties” and urged the public to stay indoors.
A “confirmed active shooter incident” will prompt an emergency alert throughout the Peace region
The emergency alert, issued at 2:15 p.m. PT, initially described the suspect as a woman in a dress with brown hair, Global Media reports. Police later said the “original suspect” was probably found dead.
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RCMP said the situation remains fluid and that officers are continuing to assess the threat. “Work is ongoing to determine whether a second suspect was involved and the total number of victims,” a brief police statement said.
RCMP are confirming casualties but will not provide numbers or injuries
In a text message, RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark confirmed that there were multiple victims, although he did not specify how many people were injured or the severity of their injuries.
The incident raised concerns in the small community, which had a population of about 2,400 people according to the 2021 census.
The shelter-in-place order was issued as police secured school grounds
Canadian police said residents in the Tumbler Ridge area should stay indoors, lock doors and refrain from leaving homes or businesses.
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The RCMP reiterated the guidance in a statement issued during the response: “As of 1:20 p.m., Tumbler Ridge RCMP are currently on the scene of a confirmed active shooter incident at Tumbler Ridge High School,” RCMP said in a statement.
RCMP added that people in Tumbler Ridge should stay indoors and shelter in place, lock their doors and refrain from leaving their homes or businesses.
Schools on lockdown as district recognizes ‘secure and hold’
School District 59 said in a social media post that it is aware of the lockdown and security at Tumbler Ridge Middle School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School.
The district did not provide further details about the shooting, but confirmed that safety protocols were followed.
Just after 5:00 PM PT, Tumbler Ridge Elementary School confirmed it could release its students to parents or guardians.
Police are investigating whether a second suspect may be involved
While police said the original suspect was likely found dead, investigators stressed that the incident could not yet be considered fully resolved.
An RCMP statement indicated that the possibility of an additional suspect remains under review.
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“Work is ongoing to determine if a second suspect was involved and the total number of victims,” RCMP said.
Authorities have not released information about the victims, including whether they were students, staff or others at the school.
Small community shaken as questions remain unanswered
Tumbler Ridge, located in the Peace region of British Columbia, is a remote community where major emergencies can quickly deplete local resources.
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By early evening, police had not confirmed whether the shelter-in-place order would be lifted or released details about how the shooting unfolded, what weapons may have been involved or whether there was an ongoing risk to the wider public.
For now, RCMP have urged residents to stay indoors as officers continue to secure the area and make a casualty assessment.