A deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia has shocked Canada, leaving at least 10 people dead and many injured after a gunman opened fire at a high school and a nearby home on February 10, 2026. This tragedy ranks among the most serious mass casualty events in recent Canadian history.
The attack began around 1:20 p.m. local time at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small public school serving students from grades 7 to 12 in the remote northeastern part of the province. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded swiftly. Officers found six people dead inside the school, and another person died while being taken to hospital. Two more victims were found dead at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident. The suspected shooter, described as a female wearing a dress with brown hair, was also found dead at the school from an apparent self-inflicted injury.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public and that they believe they have identified the shooter, but authorities have not released the names of the victims or the suspect. The motive remains unclear, and police are continuing investigations into how the victims were connected to the shooter.
At least two people were seriously injured and airlifted to hospital, while about 25 others were treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. The town of Tumbler Ridge has a population of around 2,400 people, meaning the impact on the community is profound and heartbreaking. Local officials announced the school would remain closed for the rest of the week, and counseling services have been made available to students, families and staff.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow and postponed a planned government announcement and overseas travel in light of the tragedy, saying he was “devastated” by the events. British Columbia Premier David Eby also called the shooting “an unimaginable tragedy” for the tight-knit community.
Mass shootings are rare in Canada, which has stricter gun laws than many other countries. However, this incident follows other high-profile attacks in recent years, such as the deadly 2020 Nova Scotia shooting, and highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and gun violence.
The RCMP’s investigation is ongoing, and officials have urged residents to stay patient as they work to understand the full circumstances of the incident.
