Tumbler Ridge School sits at the center of a national tragedy after a mass shooting left ten dead and at least twenty-five injured in northeastern British Columbia, with the suspected shooter among the dead.
Police say the incident unfolded across two locations on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, beginning at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and extending to a nearby residence that investigators believe is connected to the attack. Officers entered the school soon after the first emergency call, found six victims inside, and coordinated a rapid evacuation that moved students and staff to safety once the threat ended.
Authorities confirmed that another victim died while being transported to hospital and that two additional victims were discovered at a home linked to the case, which brought the death toll to ten including the suspected shooter. Investigators added that about twenty-five people sustained injuries that were not considered life threatening and received triage at a local medical center.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated that they have identified the suspected shooter but will not release a name until next of kin notifications are complete. Officials declined to discuss the ages of victims or the motive, while confirming that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
The community of roughly 2400 residents received a shelter in place alert during the afternoon and saw that order lifted the same evening once police secured the area. The school district later announced closures for both the secondary and elementary schools through the end of the week as counselors and support teams mobilized for students, staff, and families.
Students described tense moments as they hid in classrooms and barricaded doors while waiting for officers to guide them out. One Grade 12 student told reporters the experience felt surreal and echoed scenes usually watched on television, while a younger student said he hid in a closet with classmates until officers arrived.
Leaders across Canada voiced sorrow and support for Tumbler Ridge. The mayor called the town one big family and said every loss feels personal, while the Premier of British Columbia and the Prime Minister issued public condolences and praised first responders for their swift action.
What Officials Have Confirmed So Far
- Ten people are dead including the suspected shooter.
- Six victims were found inside the school, and one died in transport.
- Two more victims were found at a connected residence.
- Around twenty-five people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Timeline at a Glance
- Early afternoon call triggers a major RCMP response and a community wide alert that instructs residents to stay indoors.
- Officers enter the school, locate multiple victims, and find a person believed to be the shooter with an apparent self-inflicted injury.
- By early evening, police lift the shelter in place order and confirm there is no ongoing risk to the public.
On The Investigation and Unanswered Questions
RCMP leadership said investigators are still establishing a full sequence of events, including potential links between the school and the residence where two victims were found. They have not commented on the weapon or weapons used, and they continue to hold back information about ages of victims while the coroner and next of kin processes move forward.
Officials emphasized that the fast coordination among school staff, first responders, and residents helped prevent further harm as the situation evolved. Police credited the community’s cooperation with enabling a rapid search, triage, and reunification process for families waiting outside secured zones.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The town now faces a difficult period of mourning as authorities prepare trauma-informed support for students, teachers, and families. The school district confirmed that both schools will remain closed for the rest of the week while counselors are set up in accessible locations and while investigators continue their work at the scene.
Residents have begun to organize vigils and support circles, echoing messages from provincial and federal leaders who promised resources for mental health and recovery. Public statements urged compassion, patience, and privacy for grieving families while the investigation proceeds and as officials release verified details in the days ahead.
Why This Incident Matters Nationally
The shooting ranks among the deadliest school linked attacks in recent Canadian history and reignites debate over public safety and emergency response in smaller communities policed by federal officers. Reporters noted previous federal efforts to tighten firearm rules after earlier mass casualty events and pointed to the continued challenges of prevention, preparedness, and rapid communication in remote towns.
