Credited from: INDIATIMES
On Tuesday, in a shocking turn of events, a mass shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in Canada, leaving ten dead, including the suspected shooter, who is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that the tragedy unfolded with six victims found in the school, a seventh succumbing to injuries en route to the hospital, and two others located at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the incident. More than 25 individuals sustained injuries, with some classified as life-threatening, according to Channel News Asia, Africanews, and India Times.
The shooter has been identified as female, marking a departure from the typical profile of male shooters in mass shooting incidents in North America. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd confirmed that the police reacted quickly, reaching the school within two minutes after receiving emergency calls. Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, described the community's grief, stating, "I know it’s causing us all to hug our kids a little bit tighter tonight," emphasizing the emotional toll on the tight-knit community of Tumbler Ridge, where two schools will remain closed for the week to provide counseling for students and families, as reported by Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and local officials expressed their deep sadness and solidarity with the victims' families. Carney stated, "My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence." This incident is not only one of the deadliest in Canadian history but also raises questions about the effectiveness of the country's gun control laws, which are considered more stringent than those in the United States, according to India Times and Africanews.