Premier David Eby says his government will stand with the Tumbler Ridge community “in the days and weeks and months ahead” following a shooting that left 10 people dead, including the suspect.
Eby, joined by Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger Tuesday night (Feb. 10), provided the provincial government’s update in the fatal shooting in Tumbler Ridge, a small community in northeastern B.C.
“I can say for myself, and I’m sure for many British Columbians, many Canadians, it makes us think about our kids’ safety when they’re going to school,” Eby said. “We take it for granted. You go to school, you come home safe, and events like this give us pause about that safety that many Canadians have the privilege to enjoy across this country.”
In total, 10 people are dead, including the suspected shooter, two have been airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries and another 25 are being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries.
Victims were found at the high school and at a home in Tumbler Ridge.
The suspect was found dead at the school with what was believed to be a self-inflicted wound.
Police then found six others dead at the school. Another victim died while being transported to hospital. Two others were found dead at a residence, which police have said is believed to be connected to the school shooting.
“Right now, information is very limited as police do their work, and the RCMP has asked for patience as they work through methodically to ensure they are supporting families and getting to the bottom of what happened today,” Eby said.
RCMP North District Commander Supt. Ken Floyd, in an earlier news conference, said police believe they have identified the victim, but are not yet in a place to release the identity.
Victims’ identities have also not been released as police work to notify next of kin.
Eby asked British Columnians to “wrap the people of Tumbler Ridge, wrap these families with love, not just tonight, but tomorrow and into the future, to something that will reverberate for years to come.”
Kreiger said that while the emergency alert has ended, the people of Tumbler Ridge remain in a state of crisis, “following one of the worst mass shootings in our province’s and country’s history.”
“There are truly no words that can adequately describe the pain being carried tonight by parents, families and loved ones of the victims. British Columbians and people across the country are standing with the Tumbler Ridge community tonight,” she said.
She credited the small RCMP detachment in Tumbler Ridge with its response of “two minutes, no doubt saving lives today.” She added that officers from neighbouring detachments supported the call and while the emergency alert remained in place.
Kreiger said Education Ministry staff have been in continued contact with the Peace River South school district and the provincial government is mobilizing trauma and crisis response support. She added the government is sending trauma-informed counsellors to the region to support children, teens and their families.
There is a psychiatric liaison nurse working in the community currently and another is set to start at 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Hospitals and health centres across B.C., and especially in rural and remote communities, have been hit hard by health-care shortages in recent years. Asked how the medical centre in Tumbler Ridge, which is treating the 25 people injured, is coping with the influx, Eby said he has spoken with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith who has offered assistance.
Eby said he has also spoken with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Carney issued a statement Tuesday night.
“I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” Carney said.
“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.”
The prime minister said he’s connected with the federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree who will be coordinating the federal government’s response to the shooting.
The Prime Minister’s Office issued an update late Tuesday that Carney’s schedule has been suspended in light of the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge. He was set to start the day with a national caucus meeting in Ottawa, then head to Halifax in the afternoon where he would then travel onward to Munich, Germany.
Suppports for people:
• 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 ‘CONNECT’ or 686868
<!– cjl j YOVHTNhjbiZ –>