Pastors comfort families as school shooting in Tumbler Ridge leaves multiple dead and injured

Pastors and counsellors in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., spent Tuesday evening offering comfort and support to families waiting for news of loved ones after a deadly school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School that left multiple people dead and others injured.

At approximately 1:20 p.m. on February 10, Tumbler Ridge RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter at the Grades 7–12 school, which enrolls about 175 students. A Police Initiated Public Alert (PIPA) was issued as officers raced to the scene and was later cancelled at 5:45 p.m. after police determined there was no longer an active threat to the community.

10 dead including shooter, 27 injured

When officers entered the school during their response, they located six victims deceased inside the building, according to a release from the RCMP.

Mounties say another two victims were found dead at a residence believed to be connected to the incident, and another victim died while being transported to hospital.

The person believed to be the shooter was also found deceased at the school with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury, police said.

Two other victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, and roughly 25 more were assessed and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the local medical centre.

All students and staff were evacuated safely, and reunification efforts are underway with the school district to reconnect families with their children.

Pastoral care in the aftermath

At the community’s recreation centre, where families gathered awaiting updates, pastors and counsellors offered support. Pastor George Rowe of the Tumbler Ridge Fellowship Baptist Church described the scenes as extremely difficult.

“It was not a pretty sight. Families are still waiting to hear if it’s their child that’s deceased and because of protocol and procedure the investigating team is very careful in releasing names,” Rowe told the Associated Press.

Rowe said his thoughts remain with those enduring uncertainty and pain.

“The big thing tonight was my having to walk away, and the families still waiting to find out. It is so difficult. Other pastors and counsellors are there so they are not alone,” he said.

Official responses

Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander for the RCMP, thanked first responders, school staff and the community for their cooperation and stressed the investigation remains active.

“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident,” he said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney took to X to express his condolences and support.

“I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” he wrote, adding that officials are coordinating federal support for the community.

I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence.

I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 11, 2026

BC RCMP Major Crime has assumed conduct of the investigation and continues to work to understand the full circumstances of the incident. Additional RCMP resources, including the Emergency Response Team and Victim Services, remain in the community.

Authorities say further updates will be released as information becomes available.