Multiple people are dead, including the suspected attacker, after a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia on Tuesday afternoon, according to police.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to the shooting at the rural high school at approximately 1:20pm local time and issued a localized emergency alert ordering residents to shelter in place.
Six were found dead inside the school building, while another victim died while being transported to hospital, authorities confirmed. Two more people were discovered dead at a residence believed to be connected to the incident.
The alleged shooter has been confirmed dead at the scene. The RCMP said the individual was found with what is believed to be a self-inflicted injury. Early emergency alerts described the suspect as a woman in a dress with brown hair, though police did not immediately release a confirmed identity.
Local medical facilities are treating dozens of people for injuries, though the severity of most injuries has not yet been disclosed. Media reports indicate that about 25 people are being assessed at the local medical center.
Speaking at a virtual news conference, RCMP Chief Superintendent Floyd said investigators are not yet in a position to determine what may have motivated the attack and cautioned against speculation. He also declined to say how many of the victims were children or adults, or whether the shooter was a minor or an adult.
“We’re following all leads to try to determine the connection to the shooter,” he said. “I think we will struggle to determine the ‘why,’ but we will try our best to determine what transpired.”
The RCMP mobilized additional officers from nearby detachments and the North District Emergency Response Team. After several hours of response activity, the shelter-in-place order was lifted at around 6:45pm, and residents were allowed to resume normal activities.
Tumbler Ridge is a remote mining town of roughly 2,400 residents. Local leaders and residents described the community as “tight-knit,” and faith leaders and mental health professionals are offering support to families affected by the tragedy.