A shooting rampage at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia left 10 people dead and more than 25 injured on Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest school attacks in Canadian history.
Authorities said the gunfire erupted shortly after 1:20 p.m. local time at the high school in the remote community. Six victims were killed inside the building before the suspect was later found dead from what police described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A seventh victim died while being transported to a hospital. Investigators also discovered two additional bodies at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the attack, reportedly the suspect’s mother and younger brother.
Two victims were airlifted with life-threatening injuries. Roughly 25 others were treated at a local medical center.
The school, which serves grades 7 through 12 in a town of about 2,400 residents, was closed for the remainder of the week.
Family members and independent media identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Strang. Juno News reported it spoke directly with Strang’s uncle, Russell G. Strang, who confirmed his nephew carried out the attack and was “transgender.”
A YouTube account believed to be linked to the suspect displayed the transgender pride flag and listed “she/her” pronouns. Former classmates described Strang as a “quiet kid” who often kept to himself.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police declined to officially confirm the suspect’s identity, citing privacy concerns. RCMP Northern District Commander Ken Floyd also refused to release a name or discuss a possible motive during a Tuesday evening press briefing.
The RCMP’s wording quickly became a flashpoint online.
An initial emergency alert described the suspect as a “female in a dress with brown hair.” In later communications, police referred to the deceased suspect as a “gunperson.”
The phrase spread rapidly on social media. Critics accused police of using awkward language at a moment when residents were desperate for clear information about the threat.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called the attack “devastating” and postponed a scheduled defense announcement and trip to Germany.
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the shooting as an “unimaginable tragedy” and briefly struggled to respond when asked what he would tell parents fearful about sending their children to school.
As the investigation continues, a shaken town is mourning its dead, grappling with unanswered questions and trying to comprehend how violence reached a school in one of Canada’s most isolated communities.
