Canada was gripped by grief following the deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as shockwaves spread across the country and reached Canadian athletes competing in Milan and Cortina.

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered an emotional statement in the House of Commons, while the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee issued messages of solidarity with the victims and their families.

The British Columbia division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that nine people were killed in the shooting Tuesday afternoon at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. More than 25 others were injured, some of whom remain in hospital.

BC RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said that earlier reports indicating 10 fatalities were incorrect. He confirmed that the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar of Tumbler Ridge, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Initially, it was believed that one of the victims, a female with significant injuries, who was transported from the scene by our members and then transitioned to paramedics, had succumbed to her injuries,” he explained.

“Police have since confirmed that is not the case. She is alive and was one of the two female victims who were airlifted to the hospital. Both of those victims remain in serious condition.”

McDonald said two firearms, a long gun and a modified handgun, were recovered at the scene. “Two firearms, a long gun and a modified handgun were recovered by responding officers. Determining the origin of these firearms and what role they played in the shootings remains a significant part of the active and ongoing investigation,” he said at a press conference.

Officers were met with active gunfire when they arrived at the school around 1:20 p.m., he said. The RCMP had issued a hold-in-place order for the surrounding area during what was later confirmed to be an active shooter situation.

“Upon arrival, there was active gunfire. And as officers approached the school, rounds were fired in their direction. Officers entered the school to locate the threat. Within minutes, an individual confirmed to be the shooter was located deceased,” said McDonald.

In Ottawa, Prime Minister Carney addressed the House of Commons, calling the tragedy one of the darkest moments in recent years.

“This morning, families in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, woke to a different world. Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters began their first day on earth without someone they loved dearly,” he said.

“What happened has left our nation in shock and all of us in mourning. Nine people killed. More than 25 others were injured. Some still in hospital fighting for their lives,” he said, noting that the investigation is ongoing and urging Canadians to allow law enforcement the time and space to complete their work.

Tumbler Ridge, a community of about 2,400 residents in northeastern British Columbia, was established in the 1980s and built around the resource economy. The Prime Minister described it as a close-knit town where neighbors have supported one another through wildfires and economic downturns.

“When wildfires raged, neighbors helped each other pack up and move out of harm’s way. They checked in on seniors and those living alone. They made sure no one was left behind. When the coal mines shut down, residents supported local businesses, shared job leads, and lifted each other up.”

He added that the community represents resilience and compassion.

“Yesterday morning, parents from Tumbler Ridge sent their children to school. Many will never hold them again. Young people and their teachers have witnessed an unimaginable cruelty,” he said. “I want each of them to know: your country is with you.”

Continuing his address, Carney said, “on behalf of all Canadians, I offer my prayers to the victims, to their families, their friends, to all those who were injured, and to everyone whose life was changed irreversibly yesterday.”

“I want to express my profound gratitude to the first responders – the RCMP officers who entered that school not knowing what awaited them. To the paramedics and medical staff at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre. To the teachers and school staff who acted with extraordinary courage to protect the children in their care,” he said, adding, “In the darkest of moments, they showed the best of Canada.”

Carney said he had spoken with British Columbia Premier David Eby to convey his condolences. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is traveling to Tumbler Ridge alongside provincial officials, including Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

Reflecting on past tragedies, Carney said, “We have been here before – École Polytechnique in Montréal; the Islamic Cultural Centre of Québec City; La Loche, Saskatchewan; Humboldt; Portapique, Nova Scotia. Each time, it breaks us open.”

He said the coming days would require difficult conversations but emphasized that the immediate focus is on mourning.

“But today, however, is for grieving and remembrance. Today is for the people of Tumbler Ridge and the Peace River region – for a community enduring the unimaginable,” he added.

“A few moments ago, Mr. Speaker, we held a moment of silence for families who are grieving. For many of them today, the silence is loud. We may never fully reconcile with the horrific, senseless violence that ripped through Tumbler Ridge yesterday,” the Prime Minister said.

In a joint response, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee expressed solidarity with the community.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastating school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Our hearts go out to the families grieving the loss of loved ones, to those recovering from injuries, and to the entire community. In this moment of profound sorrow, the Canadian Paralympic Team holds the people of Tumbler Ridge close and shares in their grief.”

Related posts:

OFIC Urges Canada to Fast-Track CEPA Talks as British Columbia Trade Mission Arrives in India A New Chapter: Rebuilding the India-Canada Partnership India–Canada Uranium Deal, Trade Talks May Advance During Prime Minister Carney’s Expected March Visit Canada’s G7 Presidency Culminates in Niagara as PM Carney Pushes $1 Trillion Investment Vision