Nine people are dead, and at least 25 others are injured after an 18-year-old opened fire at a high school in the small Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia, in one of the country's deadliest mass shootings.
Police say the attack began Tuesday afternoon at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where officers responded to reports of an active shooter shortly after 1:20 p.m. local time and found multiple victims inside the building.
Six people were discovered dead at the school, and a seventh victim died while being taken to the hospital, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Two more victims were later found dead at a nearby home that investigators believe is linked to the school shooting, according to People.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found dead at the school from what police say appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
RCMP officials said the teenager had previous contact with police related to mental health issues, though a clear motive for the attack has not yet been released. Investigators are examining the suspect's background, digital devices, and movements before the shooting as they try to understand how the violence was planned and carried out.
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Officials say around 25 people are being treated for injuries that range from minor to very serious, with at least two airlifted to larger hospitals because of life-threatening wounds, the New York Times reported.
The secondary school, which serves about 160 students in a community of roughly 2,400 residents, has been closed for the rest of the week, and counseling services are being offered to students, staff, and families.
British Columbia Premier David Eby called the shooting an "unimaginable tragedy" and praised first responders and school staff for helping students shelter in classrooms for hours while the threat was active.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "devastated" by the attack, postponed an overseas trip, and pledged federal support for the investigation and for the grieving town. Police have urged the public not to spread rumors online and asked anyone with photos, videos, or information from around the time of the shooting to come forward, as per Aljazeera.
