Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Tumbler Ridge to offer support to the community following a mass shooting that has claimed eight lives, including the shooter. Carney stood with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and First Nations chiefs during a candlelight vigil for the victims.
Tumbler Ridge Shooting: Prime Minister Offers Condolences
The prime minister addressed nearly 2,000 people, acknowledging the profound loss and offering words of solidarity. “I know that nothing I can say will bring your children home,” Carney said, adding that no words could fill the silence in the homes of those grieving.
On Tuesday, an 18-year-old transgender woman opened fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, killing five students and a teacher. The shooter had earlier killed her mother and stepbrother at home before taking her own life.
The victims from the school were identified as Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Ezekiel Schofield and educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand. Their names were remembered during the vigil.
Two individuals, Maya Gebala, 12, and Paige Hoekstra, 19, remain hospitalized in Vancouver after sustaining bullet wounds.
Carney emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “When we leave here tonight…please know that you’re not alone. Canada is a community that relies on each other’s grace.”
Earlier in the day, federal leaders met with the victims’ families for the first time. Both Carney and Poilievre were visibly emotional during the meetings.
The two leaders, who have recently engaged in political clashes, set aside their differences to present a unified front, a move welcomed by residents. Poilievre stated, “Today, there are no Conservatives. There are no Liberals…We are all just mothers and fathers.” He also commended Carney for his “tremendous grace.”
Leaders also praised the heroism displayed by residents, with British Columbia premier David Eby highlighting a teacher who barricaded students in a classroom, despite his son being absent. Older students were also credited with comforting and protecting younger students.
Eby promised students that they would not be forced to return to the school, ensuring a safe learning environment would be provided.
According to Dwayne McDonald, the deputy commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, the shooter did not appear to be targeting specific individuals at the school. “This suspect was, for lack of a better term, hunting,” McDonald said, adding that the suspect was “prepared and engaging anybody and everybody.”
Police described a chaotic scene upon arrival, with fire alarms sounding and a person reporting gunfire from upstairs. The suspect died by suicide shortly after engaging with police.
Mayor Darryl Krakowka urged the community to support one another, acknowledging the difficulty of returning to normal life. He concluded by stating, “Tumbler Ridge has been shaken, but not broken.”
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