“It’s hard.”
The words echoed through the Legislature grounds as Speaker Raj Chouhan fought back tears while delivering a speech at a vigil as the country mourns the lives of those that were killed in a mass shooting in a Tumbler Ridge school on Tuesday.
“Nobody ever imagined that something [this] tragic could happen in a town like Tumbler Ridge, where kids are sent to school to learn. They were in the classroom getting ready for a brighter future,” Chouhan told the crowd.
He thanked the many provinces and countries who offered support in wake of the tragedy, along with the many frontline workers and parents who worked, and continue to work tirelessly to support the small northern community.
He also thanked Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld, who is currently in Tumbler Ridge meeting with families and supporting the community.
Read More: Death toll in Tumbler Ridge school shooting corrected to 9, suspect identified
He mentioned other mass killings through the years: Polytechnique Montreal, the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City, the Saskatchewan stabbings, and the Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy.
“It’s just unbelievable when these tragic incidents happen, it happens then after a while we think we got over it. We try to heal ourselves,” he said.
“We thought we got over that and we are stronger that, we can handle this. But something like this happens again, it rips us apart. It’s going to be hard to get over that.”
The lawn of the Legislature was crowded with current and former elected officials, other dignitaries and community members for the vigil on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Mourners lit candles and held a moment of silence for those that lost their lives, many of which are 12 and 13 years old.
“It’s a heartbreaking loss, and it’s had a profound impact not only on the immediate families and friends of the victims, but indeed on the entire community and, of course, our province as a whole,” said Assistant Deputy Speaker Lorne Doerkson.
Read More: ‘You are not alone’: Greater Victoria responds to tragic Tumbler Ridge shooting
As of Wednesday, nine people are dead, and 27 others were injured.
Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, was named at the suspected shooter by RCMP. Police say she was found dead due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Supports for those in need:
• 310 Mental Health Support – A toll-free number connecting callers to a B.C. crisis line. People can dial 310-6789
• Kids Help Phone – text 686868
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: bailey.seymour@vicnews.com