Ten dead after mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, lockdown lifted

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Ten people – including the suspect – have died in a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.

A press release issued by the BC RCMP says police officers were called to a reported shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in the afternoon on February 10th. Emergency responders from neighbouring detachments, the RCMP’s North District Emergency Response Team, STARs air ambulance and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) ambulance were also dispatched to the scene.

When officers arrived, they found six dead during a search of the school, plus the person they believe to be the shooter, who had “what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury.”

Three victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life‑threatening injuries, one of whom died en route.

Approximately 25 others are being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non‑life‑threatening injuries, according to the RCMP.

“All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated,” the release says. “Police are working closely with the school district to support a coordinated reunification process for families.”

Officers also found two dead at a “secondary” residence “believed to be connected to the incident.”

They said they are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked.

Additional RCMP resources continue to be deployed to support the investigation, they said, which has been taken over by BC RCMP Major Crime.

“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders and the community played a critical role in our response,” says Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander.

“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”

A public alert was sent to cell phones in Tumbler Ridge and surrounding communities at around 3 p.m., warning people to stay indoors. It has now been cancelled.

The press release issued by the BC RCMP at 7 p.m. says officers “do not believe there are any outstanding suspects or ongoing threat to the public.”

Manda Maggs, Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark executive director, told Energeticcity.ca that staff at the Tumbler Ridge Visitor Centre – which is run by the geopark on behalf of the District of Tumbler Ridge – saw people being moved from the school to the community centre during the incident.

“We know so many of the people that work at the high school and attend the high school, it feels very personal,” she said.

While the incident was ongoing, School District 59 put Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Tumbler Ridge Elementary schools on lockdown.

The Northern Lights College campus in Tumbler Ridge has said, “in light of events,” it will be closed for the rest of the week.

Larry Neufeld, Peace River South MLA, issued a written statement: “I am leaving Victoria immediately to return to my riding to be on the ground and available to support the community in any way needed. I will continue to stay closely engaged as this situation evolves.”

The alleged suspect was a ‘female’ in a dress with brown hair, early information suggested.

Tumbler Ridge is a small community of only just under 2,400 people, according to the 2021 census.

This article will be updated with more on this story as it unfolds.

Below is the full RCMP press conference held on February 10, 2026