Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed national grief Wednesday after nine people were killed in coordinated shootings at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence in British Columbia.
Police confirmed that at least 25 others were injured in the attacks, which unfolded roughly 415 miles north of Vancouver.
Authorities believe the two scenes are connected, though investigations are ongoing.
Six victims were found dead inside the school, a seventh died en route to hospital, and two more were discovered at a nearby home.
The suspect was also found dead at the school.
Officials have not released the suspect’s name or gender, though an early alert described the attacker as a “female in a dress with brown hair.”
Students and staff recounted chaotic and terrifying moments as the violence erupted.
One student described barricading classroom doors with tables, while a teacher hid for hours as the shooting continued.
Emergency services responded promptly, securing the area and transporting the injured to hospitals. Prime Minister Carney said the nation “mourns with you,” offering condolences to the affected families and the Tumbler Ridge community.
Police have urged residents to remain vigilant while investigations continue into one of the deadliest attacks in the province’s recent history.
