Nine people are dead and at least 25 others injured after a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday. Police have identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.
RCMP say the violence began around 1:20 p.m. local time at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Six victims were initially reported dead inside the school. Police later clarified that five students, three 12-year-old girls and two boys aged 12 and 13, were killed, along with a 39-year-old female teacher.
The suspected shooter was found dead inside the school from what police described as a self-inflicted injury. In total, 10 people, including the suspect, are dead.
Twenty-five others were injured. BC Emergency Health Services said two people were airlifted to hospital, one in critical condition and one in serious but stable condition. Others were treated at the scene.
The town of about 2,000 people was placed under lockdown for more than four hours. Students were barricaded in classrooms before being escorted out by police. The secondary and elementary schools will remain closed for the rest of the week.
Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered flags on federal buildings to be flown at half mast. Premier David Eby called the shooting devastating and urged support for the community.
The attack is being described as one of the deadliest school-related shootings in Canada in decades. The investigation continues.
As the Canadian News Hub family, we extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. We grieve together as Canadians and stand in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy.