Canadian police say 10 people, including the suspected attacker, have been killed in a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby location in British Columbia, with many others injured. British Columbia Premier David Eby called the incident an “unimaginable tragedy” as the community struggles to process the violence.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Tuesday. According to the Tumbler Ridge RCMP, six people were found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Police said another victim died while being taken to the hospital.

In addition, two other people were found dead at a home that authorities believe is connected to the shooting. The RCMP also said that the person believed to be responsible for the attack was found dead with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.

The RCMP stated that the incident involved an “active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.” They further confirmed that “an individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury”.

The attack left several others injured. Police said two people were “airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries”. Around 25 other individuals were also affected and were “being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries”, according to the RCMP.

Authorities confirmed that all remaining students and staff were safely evacuated from the school. The RCMP said the situation was handled quickly and that emergency responders worked closely with the school and the local community during the crisis.

Tumbler Ridge is a small township located in the foothills of the British Columbia Rocky Mountains. It lies more than 1,100 kilometres north of Vancouver and has a population of fewer than 3,000 people. The shooting has shocked the close-knit community due to the scale of the violence.

Canadian media reports claimed the attacker was female, but the RCMP refused to confirm those details. During a news conference on Tuesday, police declined to share any information about the suspect’s identity.

Police also did not release the ages of the victims or details about the weapons involved. They said this was due to privacy concerns and because the investigation is still ongoing. The RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit is now leading the investigation into the shooting.

The RCMP also stated that officers were searching other homes and properties in the community to determine if there were more sites connected to the incident. Authorities are continuing to gather information as part of the investigation.

Speaking about the tragedy, the RCMP’s Northern District commander Ken Floyd said police do not yet know what caused the incident. “We are not in a place now to be able to understand why and what may have motivated this tragedy,” Floyd said.

He also highlighted the rapid nature of the situation and the cooperation received during the emergency response. “This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders and community played a critical role in our response,” Floyd said.

British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed grief over the loss of life and promised support for the community. He described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” and said the provincial government would take steps to help people affected by the violence.

Eby added that the government would “ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days”. He also said, “Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones.”

Meanwhile, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney was reported to have suspended his departure for a security conference in Munich, Germany, to deal with the tragedy. Carney also issued a public statement expressing sorrow and appreciation for emergency workers.

“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” Carney wrote in a post on social media.

Canada has stricter gun ownership laws compared to the United States. However, the country has seen several mass shootings in recent years, which have led to increased calls for stronger gun control measures.

Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced gun control steps in 2022. These included a “freeze” on the buying and selling of handguns across the country. The shooting in Tumbler Ridge is likely to renew discussions about gun violence and public safety.

As the investigation continues, authorities have not provided further details about the suspect, victims, or motive. The RCMP said it remains focused on understanding what happened and ensuring public safety as the community mourns those lost.