At least ten people are now reported to have been killed and more than 25 injured following shootings at a secondary school and nearby home in the remote Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge, in British Columbia.
Residents have identified the suspected attacker as Jesse Strang, an 18-year-old who was found dead at the scene with what police believe were self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Authorities have not yet formally confirmed the suspect’s identity. However, multiple local residents have told media outlets that Strang was responsible for the attack.
Scene of the Attack
Police said victims were found inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, as well as at a connected residential property.
Investigators believe the incident began at a nearby home before continuing at the school. Local sources have alleged that two family members of the suspect were among the first victims, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.
A total of 27 people were injured, with two in life-threatening condition. One victim died while being transported to hospital.
Witness Accounts and Identification
Two former students, Liam Irving and Juan van Heerden, said they recognised the suspect as Jesse Strang.
“He was a quiet kid, usually by himself,” Irving said. “He wasn’t destructive or obnoxious. No one expected something like this.”
Van Heerden described Strang as “always sitting alone in the corner, always quiet”.
Both said the suspect had previously attended the school and was known locally. They also said Strang identified as transgender.
Irving added that his mother was inside the school during the attack and heard multiple gunshots and commotion.
“There’s not one person in this town that’s not affected,” he said.
Emergency Response
Police received the first reports of an active shooter at around 1:20pm on Tuesday. A public alert was issued, and residents were told to shelter in place.
Video footage showed armed officers entering the building and a helicopter landing nearby as students were evacuated.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) searched the school and surrounding properties before declaring the immediate threat over later in the evening.
Community Reaction
Tumbler Ridge councillor Chris Norbury said the attack had left the community traumatised.
“This is an incredibly safe town. We don’t even lock our doors,” he said. “Now everyone is shaken.”
Mayor Darryl Krakowka said many residents personally knew the victims.
“In a town this size, we are family,” he said.
Schools in the area have been closed for the rest of the week, and trauma counsellors have been deployed to support students and families.
Police Investigation
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said investigators were still working to establish the motive.
“We may struggle to determine the ‘why’, but we will do everything possible to understand what happened,” he said.
Police are continuing to examine digital records, firearms evidence, and the suspect’s background.
Political Response
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the attack and offered federal support.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said the tragedy would “reverberate for years” and promised ongoing mental health support for the community.
A Rare Tragedy in Canada
Mass shootings remain rare in Canada, making the Tumbler Ridge attack one of the deadliest in recent years.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues and to rely on verified updates from police.
Further details are expected once all families have been formally notified.