Armed attack in Canada: At least nine dead in a high school and a home. The community is in shock
At least nine people died and dozens were injured in an armed attack on a high school and a home in the Canadian province of British Columbia on Tuesday, according to police. The suspect was found dead and authorities say he appears to have committed suicide.
At least nine people died in an armed attack on a school in Canada PHOTO: X/@AkhbarSite
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they responded around 1:20 p.m. local time after receiving calls about an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. At the scene, six people were found dead and dozens injured, according to a press release from the authorities. Another victim died while being transported to hospital, according to RCMP.
The suspect was found dead, with “what appears to be a self-inflicted wound”the authorities stated, according to News.ro.
Dozens injured, some in serious condition
Two of the victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. About 25 other people, with non-life-threatening injuries, are receiving medical attention at a local center, police said.
Two other people were later found dead in a home that investigators believe is related to the attack.
“Officers are carrying out further searches of other homes and properties to determine if anyone else is injured or connected to today's events.”it is stated in the Police statement.
Small town, huge impact
Tumbler Ridge is a rural town of approximately 2,400 residents located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in western Canada, approximately 400 miles from the United States border.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. The emergency alert urging residents to take shelter was lifted at 5:45 p.m. local time.
Tumbler Ridge High School has 175 students in grades VII-XII, according to the province's website. Following the tragedy, the management of the educational units decided to suspend classes. “Due to the tragic events that occurred today in the Tumbler Ridge community, Tumbler Ridge Middle School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School will be closed for the remainder of the week.”according to an announcement published online.
Reactions and ongoing investigation
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the attack. “The rapid cooperation of the school, response teams and the community was instrumental in our response“said Superintendent Ken Floyd, Northern District Commander, expressing his sympathy for those affected.
Larry Neufeld, the provincial member of Parliament for Peace River South, the riding that includes Tumbler Ridge, described the shootings as “tragic and deeply disturbingit is”.
“It's a small town with a tight-knit community, and the impact of an event like this is felt by everyoneNeufeld said.
Mass shootings are extremely rare in Canada, a country with much stricter gun laws than the United States. According to the Small Arms Research Project, there are 121 firearms for every 100 residents in the US, compared to about 35 per 100 residents in Canada.
