Canada shaken by deadliest school shooting in decades; nine dead
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 12, 2026, 20:10 IST
Canada shaken by deadliest school shooting in decades; nine dead
A sudden outbreak of gunfire inside a high school in Tumbler Ridge, BC, resulted in nine confirmed deaths along with many wounded; this incident stands as the most severe act of violence on a Canadian campus in years. Though uncommon here, such tragedy has stirred deep unease across communities unaccustomed to armed attacks in educational settings.
TL;DR
Nine lives ended after what happened at a school in Tumbur Ridge, British Columbia; details are still unfolding. The person tied to the event was discovered without signs of life, with injuries caused by their own hand. Grief moves quietly between neighbours who know each other too well for such loss. While answers are sought, questions hang beneath quiet streets and closed doors. The probe continues even as candles burn low into the night.
Fires of violence ripped through a high school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, killing nine people and injuring others, officials reported. Hours later, government data called it the worst assault on a Canadian school in more than two decades. Warnings screamed across the remote town just moments before officers flooded the scene. Though few details have emerged, those examining the case suspect one person was responsible for the bloodshed prior to being stopped. On Tuesday, deep into the final hours of the school day, fear rippled through hallways and learning spaces without warning.
Under grey skies, people clustered by emergency tape, waiting to hear what happened while rescue workers led children away. Not far from the caution lines, faces turned toward officials, eyes searching for answers during the quiet moments between sirens. Schools across the region remained closed into Wednesday as investigators continued processing evidence on-site. This tragedy has reignited discussions around safety procedures present in rural academic institutions. Out here on its own, the town has suddenly become part of a country's grief.
Few words came from Superintendent Ken Floyd, in charge of the North District under B.C.’s RCMP division. Where the first crews reached, officers found six people already lost, confirmed by police on scene. Death was declared there, without delay, according to official statements. A seventh person passed away during medical transfer. Wounded persons were also present in notable numbers. In a separate structure within the township, authorities located two further remains; these findings appear linked to the individual under investigation.
A body was discovered within the school building, law enforcement reported, ending in death due to personal harm. The identity of the individual is known by investigators; however, details such as name and age remain undisclosed, and no confirmation is offered on student status either. Residents received an urgent message describing the person involved: female, brown hair, clothed in a dress, per coverage from CBC News.
A helicopter transported two injured individuals, sustaining severe harm, to nearby hospitals, according to law enforcement. About 25 additional people obtained care at a community health facility. Victim identities remain undisclosed. The count of minors among them has not been verified by authorities.
“We are not in a place now to be able to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said at a press briefing. “We will try our best to determine what transpired.”
Around 680 kilometres from the U.S. boundary lies Tumbler Ridge, home to nearly 2,400 people. Provincial records show approximately 175 learners attend the local high school, covering grades seven to twelve. Because connections run deep here, events weigh heavier, noted Mayor Darryl Krakowka in a conversation with CBC. Each person affected is someone familiar, he remarked. These are not just townspeople; in his view, relations extend beyond mere residency. Names carry faces, histories, shared moments. Distance may isolate geographically; yet within these limits, bonds shape identity. To him, labels like "resident" fall short. A different word fits better, one rooted in closeness, trust, and daily presence. That term, he made clear, is 'family'.
Only now does it start to feel real, mentioned student Darian Quist in a CBC interview. For roughly two hours, he remained inside a locked classroom alongside peers before officers arrived to lead them safely away.
In Canada, mass shootings occur infrequently. A review by Statistics Canada, based on law enforcement reports gathered through national crime databases, shows guns played a role in 38 percent of homicide cases during 2023, less than half the share seen in the United States, where such weapons accounted for 76 percent. Research conducted at the Small Arms Survey suggests approximately 35 civilian-owned firearms exist for every 100 people across Canada. This availability contrasts sharply with U.S. levels, where an estimated 121 guns circulate per 100 individuals.
A sense of removal often surrounds acts of violence until they arrive nearby. That reality was noted by British Columbia's leader, David Eby, at a public briefing. Grief has spread through communities; he acknowledged this while speaking about affected households. The emotional weight of recent events left a visible mark across the region. From Ottawa, national leadership responded. Condolences came through an online message shared by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Loss touches many; he stated that his reflection centres on individuals now missing someone.
Details about the weapon remain withheld by authorities. Though banned for public sale in Canada, firearms resembling military models are linked to notable incidents south of the border.
Until Friday, classrooms across Tumber Ridge stay shut, per updates posted by the school authority, while officials analyse findings alongside offering assistance to learners and their households. Though inquiry work continues, access remains restricted, since safety protocols require ongoing evaluation before any return occurs. Because staff focus on care measures, instruction pauses, and given current conditions, demand full attention elsewhere. Since confirmation comes from official channels, families receive notices directly, ensuring clarity during this interval.
Fourteen young women lost their lives in Montréal back then. Not until now has something just as grave shaken a Canadian school ground. The shooting at École Polytechnique lit a fire under national debate. Tougher gun laws came out of it, shaped by sorrow.
Nine lives ended after what happened at a school in Tumbur Ridge, British Columbia; details are still unfolding. The person tied to the event was discovered without signs of life, with injuries caused by their own hand. Grief moves quietly between neighbours who know each other too well for such loss. While answers are sought, questions hang beneath quiet streets and closed doors. The probe continues even as candles burn low into the night.
Fires of violence ripped through a high school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, killing nine people and injuring others, officials reported. Hours later, government data called it the worst assault on a Canadian school in more than two decades. Warnings screamed across the remote town just moments before officers flooded the scene. Though few details have emerged, those examining the case suspect one person was responsible for the bloodshed prior to being stopped. On Tuesday, deep into the final hours of the school day, fear rippled through hallways and learning spaces without warning.
Under grey skies, people clustered by emergency tape, waiting to hear what happened while rescue workers led children away. Not far from the caution lines, faces turned toward officials, eyes searching for answers during the quiet moments between sirens. Schools across the region remained closed into Wednesday as investigators continued processing evidence on-site. This tragedy has reignited discussions around safety procedures present in rural academic institutions. Out here on its own, the town has suddenly become part of a country's grief.
Few words came from Superintendent Ken Floyd, in charge of the North District under B.C.’s RCMP division. Where the first crews reached, officers found six people already lost, confirmed by police on scene. Death was declared there, without delay, according to official statements. A seventh person passed away during medical transfer. Wounded persons were also present in notable numbers. In a separate structure within the township, authorities located two further remains; these findings appear linked to the individual under investigation.
A body was discovered within the school building, law enforcement reported, ending in death due to personal harm. The identity of the individual is known by investigators; however, details such as name and age remain undisclosed, and no confirmation is offered on student status either. Residents received an urgent message describing the person involved: female, brown hair, clothed in a dress, per coverage from CBC News.
A helicopter transported two injured individuals, sustaining severe harm, to nearby hospitals, according to law enforcement. About 25 additional people obtained care at a community health facility. Victim identities remain undisclosed. The count of minors among them has not been verified by authorities.
“We are not in a place now to be able to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said at a press briefing. “We will try our best to determine what transpired.”
Around 680 kilometres from the U.S. boundary lies Tumbler Ridge, home to nearly 2,400 people. Provincial records show approximately 175 learners attend the local high school, covering grades seven to twelve. Because connections run deep here, events weigh heavier, noted Mayor Darryl Krakowka in a conversation with CBC. Each person affected is someone familiar, he remarked. These are not just townspeople; in his view, relations extend beyond mere residency. Names carry faces, histories, shared moments. Distance may isolate geographically; yet within these limits, bonds shape identity. To him, labels like "resident" fall short. A different word fits better, one rooted in closeness, trust, and daily presence. That term, he made clear, is 'family'.
Only now does it start to feel real, mentioned student Darian Quist in a CBC interview. For roughly two hours, he remained inside a locked classroom alongside peers before officers arrived to lead them safely away.
In Canada, mass shootings occur infrequently. A review by Statistics Canada, based on law enforcement reports gathered through national crime databases, shows guns played a role in 38 percent of homicide cases during 2023, less than half the share seen in the United States, where such weapons accounted for 76 percent. Research conducted at the Small Arms Survey suggests approximately 35 civilian-owned firearms exist for every 100 people across Canada. This availability contrasts sharply with U.S. levels, where an estimated 121 guns circulate per 100 individuals.
A sense of removal often surrounds acts of violence until they arrive nearby. That reality was noted by British Columbia's leader, David Eby, at a public briefing. Grief has spread through communities; he acknowledged this while speaking about affected households. The emotional weight of recent events left a visible mark across the region. From Ottawa, national leadership responded. Condolences came through an online message shared by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Loss touches many; he stated that his reflection centres on individuals now missing someone.
Details about the weapon remain withheld by authorities. Though banned for public sale in Canada, firearms resembling military models are linked to notable incidents south of the border.
Until Friday, classrooms across Tumber Ridge stay shut, per updates posted by the school authority, while officials analyse findings alongside offering assistance to learners and their households. Though inquiry work continues, access remains restricted, since safety protocols require ongoing evaluation before any return occurs. Because staff focus on care measures, instruction pauses, and given current conditions, demand full attention elsewhere. Since confirmation comes from official channels, families receive notices directly, ensuring clarity during this interval.
Fourteen young women lost their lives in Montréal back then. Not until now has something just as grave shaken a Canadian school ground. The shooting at École Polytechnique lit a fire under national debate. Tougher gun laws came out of it, shaped by sorrow.