Tumbler Ridge Mass Shooting: What We Know So Far

Imagine a peaceful afternoon in a small Canadian town. Usually, people worry about snowstorms or local hockey games. But in one terrible moment, everything changed. The Tumbler Ridge mass shooting broke the peace of this quiet community, leaving families in deep pain and the country searching for answers.

This article explains what we know so far about the tragic event in British Columbia, while remembering the people who lost their lives.

What Happened in Tumbler Ridge?

On February 10, 2026, a mass shooting took place in Tumbler Ridge, a small town in northeastern British Columbia. The town has just over 2,000 residents and is known for dinosaur fossils and beautiful mountain views. Violence like this is rare in such places.

Gunfire broke out at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, shocking the entire community. Sadly, several people were killed and many others were injured.

The Day of the Shooting

At around 1:20 p.m., police received reports of an active shooter at the school. Students and teachers quickly locked doors and hid inside classrooms.

One Grade 12 student said, “It felt like something I had only seen on TV.” Many people can relate to that feeling — we often see news like this happening somewhere else, never thinking it could happen nearby.

Police arrived quickly. They warned residents about a suspect described as a woman with brown hair wearing a dress.

What Happened at the School?

Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has about 175 students. Inside the building, six victims were found dead. The suspect was also found dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury.

Another victim later died while being taken to the hospital.

The lockdown lasted more than two hours. During that time, students and staff waited quietly, scared but hopeful. Some teachers protected students, and students helped one another. Even in tragedy, there were acts of bravery.

Incident at a Nearby Home

The violence was not limited to the school. Police later found two more bodies at a nearby house in Tumbler Ridge. Authorities believe the incidents are connected, but details are still being investigated.

Because Tumbler Ridge is a small town, most people know each other. This makes the loss even more personal and painful.

Information About the Suspect

Police have identified the suspect but have not released the name. Officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The motive is still unknown. Authorities say they are still investigating and do not yet understand why this happened.

Timeline of Events

• 1:20 p.m. – Police receive reports of shots fired at the school
• Shortly after – School goes into lockdown
• Afternoon – Suspect found deceased inside the school
• Over two hours later – Students and staff safely evacuated
• Evening – Two more victims found at nearby residence

This shows how quickly the situation unfolded.

Victims and Injuries

Nine victims lost their lives. Including the suspect, the total number of deaths is ten.

Between 25 and 27 people were injured. Some injuries were serious, while others were less severe.

Names and ages have not yet been released. The victims include students, school staff, and possibly community members.

Each of these people had dreams, families, and plans for the future. Their loss has deeply affected the community.

Community and National Reaction

The town of Tumbler Ridge is grieving. Counseling services and support programs have been set up to help students, families, and staff.

Leaders across Canada have expressed sadness and support for the victims. Many people are again discussing gun control laws and school safety.

This tragedy has reopened important conversations about how to prevent violence in the future.

Gun Violence in Canada

Mass shootings are less common in Canada than in some other countries, but they still happen.

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is one of the deadliest in recent Canadian history. It joins tragic events such as:

• The 1989 École Polytechnique shooting in Montreal
• The 2020 Nova Scotia shooting

Each tragedy reminds Canadians of the need for safety and prevention.

Conclusion

The Tumbler Ridge mass shooting has left deep pain in a small community and across Canada. Families are mourning, and many people are searching for answers.

Healing will take time. But by supporting one another and working toward safer communities, hope can slowly return.

FAQ

Q: Is there still a danger to the public?
A: No. Police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat.

Q: Has the motive been confirmed?
A: No. The investigation is still ongoing.

Q: How can people help?
A: People can donate to local support funds and offer help through community organizations in British Columbia.

Disclaimer

Content Warning: This article discusses violence and loss, which may be upsetting to some readers.

Information Notice: Details are based on reports available as of February 11, 2026. Information may change as the investigation continues. This article is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice.

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, please contact a mental health professional or local support service.