Nine killed in shooting at school and nearby home in western Canada

Wednesday 11 February 2026 - 07:00

By: Sahili Aya

Nine killed in shooting at school and nearby home in western Canada

Nine people were killed and 27 others injured after gunfire erupted inside a secondary school and at a nearby residence in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, authorities confirmed Tuesday. Police said the suspected shooter was later found dead.

The violence unfolded in the small town of roughly 2,300 residents, located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in western Canada. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, six victims were discovered inside the school building. A seventh person who had been critically wounded died while being transported to hospital. Officers later identified a second location linked to the incident, where two additional victims were found dead in a residence close to the school.

Investigators stated that the suspect died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury. Officials declined to release further details about the individual’s identity during a press briefing.

Emergency services reported that 27 people sustained injuries, including two in serious condition. The remaining victims were treated for less severe wounds.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “deeply shaken” by the tragedy and announced the cancellation of a planned trip to Europe, where he had been scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference. In a message shared on social media, he expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and praised first responders for their courage and rapid action.

Canada has historically experienced far fewer school shootings than the United States, making such attacks rare. However, the country has faced isolated acts of mass violence in recent years. In April 2025, 11 people were killed in Vancouver when a driver rammed a truck into a crowd attending a Filipino cultural festival.

Students inside the school described chaotic and frightening moments. One student told public broadcaster CBC that classes were suddenly placed under lockdown. At first unsure of the severity of the situation, students soon began receiving alarming messages and images. They remained confined for more than two hours before officers entered classrooms and escorted them out safely.

Local officials described the scene as devastating and emotionally overwhelming for the tight-knit community. Residents were ordered to shelter in place during the emergency response. By late afternoon, provincial authorities lifted the alert, stating that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Tumbler Ridge, known for its outdoor tourism and nearby geological park, now faces the aftermath of one of the deadliest incidents in its history.