Active Shooter Incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Leaves Multiple Victims
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in British Columbia responded to a confirmed active shooter incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday, issuing an emergency alert that warned residents to shelter in place. Authorities reported multiple victims as the situation unfolded in the remote Peace region community.
Emergency Alert and Shelter-in-Place Order
At approximately 2:15 p.m. Pacific Time, RCMP issued an emergency alert covering a wide area around Tumbler Ridge, including neighboring communities like Chetwynd and Dawson Creek. The alert described the initial suspect as a woman wearing a dress with brown hair and urged the public not to leave their homes.
"As of 1:20 p.m., the Tumbler Ridge RCMP are currently on scene of a confirmed active shooter incident at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School," RCMP stated in an official release. Police reiterated that residents should:
- Stay indoors and shelter in place
- Lock their doors
- Refrain from leaving homes or businesses
Suspect Found Deceased and Ongoing Investigation
Police later confirmed that the original suspect was believed to have been found dead, though the situation remained fluid. RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark acknowledged victims were involved but did not specify numbers or the severity of injuries.
"Work continues to determine whether a second suspect was involved and the total number of victims involved," RCMP emphasized in their statement. Investigators stressed the incident could not yet be considered fully resolved as they assessed whether additional threats existed.
School District Response and Community Impact
School District 59 confirmed that both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Tumbler Ridge Elementary schools were placed on lockdown with secure-and-hold protocols activated. By 5 p.m. PT, the elementary school announced it could release students to parents or guardians.
The shooting has shaken the small community of Tumbler Ridge, which had a population of approximately 2,400 people according to the 2021 census. Located in British Columbia's remote Peace region, such emergencies can quickly strain local resources.
Unanswered Questions and Continuing Police Work
As of early evening, authorities had not released:
- Details about the victims, including whether they were students, staff, or others at the school
- Information about how the shooting unfolded or what weapons were involved
- Confirmation about when the shelter-in-place order would be lifted
- Clarity on whether there remained an ongoing risk to the wider public
RCMP continued to secure the area and account for victims, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions as the investigation progressed.
