Residents of Tumbler Ridge, a small town in northern British Columbia, are struggling to come to terms with a deadly shooting that unfolded inside a local school, leaving the community shaken and grieving.
Survivors described moments of fear and confusion as police moved in to secure the area.
One student, identified as Darian, said he remained in lockdown for more than two hours before officers entered the building, instructing everyone to raise their hands before escorting them to safety.
His mother, Shelley Quist, said she held her son tightly when they were finally reunited after authorities declared the scene secure.
“He’s not going to be out of my sight for a while now,” she told Canada’s CBC.
Local journalist Trent Ernst, who previously worked as a substitute teacher at the school and whose child recently graduated from the institution, said the town has faced challenges with troubled youths in the past but nothing on this scale.
“There’s been troubled kids here in town before,” Ernst said, underscoring the shock felt across the community.
Police are yet to release details about the suspected shooter, including age or identity, and have not confirmed the number or identities of victims.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said investigations are ongoing, with officers also searching nearby homes and properties to determine whether other locations may be linked to the incident.
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the attack as “unimaginable,” while RCMP northern district commander Ken Floyd said officers were responding to what he termed a “rapidly evolving and dynamic situation.”
“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation,” Floyd said.
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Although mass shootings remain rare in Canada, the tragedy comes amid heightened concern over public safety, following a deadly vehicle attack in Vancouver last April that claimed 11 lives during a Filipino cultural festival.
Tumbler Ridge, home to about 2,400 residents and located more than 1,100 kilometres north of Vancouver, is known for its quiet lifestyle.
Municipal authorities said the town is devastated by the loss and the emotional toll on families, students, and staff.
“We are devastated by the loss of life and the profound impact this tragedy has had on families, students, staff, and our entire town,” the municipality said in a statement.