Nine people were killed in shootings across the remote British Columbia community of Tumbler Ridge on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in what authorities are calling a mass casualty event. The victims include students and adults, with the attacks unfolding at a secondary school and a nearby private residence.
The suspect has been identified as an 18-year-old female, though her name has not been officially released by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Investigators have confirmed the suspect had been known to police, with prior visits to her home, according to reports from the Associated Press. Details regarding the nature of those previous police interactions have not been disclosed.
The shootings began at the secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, a little district located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Following the initial attack at the school, the suspect continued the violence at a private home. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, but authorities have confirmed that multiple students were among those killed.
The remote location of Tumbler Ridge, a community largely reliant on the resource extraction industry, has amplified the shock, and grief. The town, with a population of approximately 2,500, is now grappling with an unprecedented tragedy. Emergency services responded to the scenes, and the area remains under investigation.
“This is a devastating day for Tumbler Ridge and for British Columbia,” stated a brief statement released by the provincial government. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, and we are offering our full support to the community.”
The RCMP have not released a motive for the shootings, and the investigation is ongoing. Forensic teams are currently processing the scenes at both the school and the residence. The suspect is in police custody, but details regarding her arrest and any potential charges have not yet been made public.
News of the shootings has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement expressing his shock and sadness, offering support to the affected community. The federal government has pledged to provide resources to assist with the investigation and to support the grieving families.
The incident marks Canada’s worst school shooting in decades, surpassing previous tragedies in terms of the number of fatalities. The scale of the violence has prompted renewed calls for stricter gun control measures, though the specifics of any potential legislative changes remain unclear.
As of Friday afternoon, the RCMP have not provided any further updates on the investigation, maintaining a tight perimeter around the crime scenes. A community meeting is scheduled for Saturday morning to provide residents with information and support services.
