Great grief in Canada after school attack
Published 17.39
Canada is a country in mourning after the deadly shooting at a school in British Columbia.
– It is a very difficult day for the nation, says Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
At least nine people were killed in the attack in the small community of Tumbler Ridge. In addition, more than 25 people were injured. The suspected shooter was also found dead on the school premises.
Mark Carney postponed his trip to the Munich Security Conference, where he was supposed to go on Wednesday, because of the attack.
He was noticeably moved when he met reporters on Wednesday morning and expressed his condolences to those affected by the attack, reports CBC.
– The nation mourns with you. Canada stands by you, said Carney.
Thanked for support
He thanked everyone who contacted him to express their sympathy, including Britain's King Charles. He also said that all federal government buildings in the country will fly flags at half-mast.
Sweden's King Carl Gustaf has also sent his condolences.
"The Queen and I would like to express our sincere condolences for the tragic loss of life following the horrific shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School," he wrote in a telegram to Canada's Governor General Mary Simon.
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka says doctors and nurses from other communities will join in to help local health workers. Students who were at the school will receive crisis support.
- We will get through this, he said, according to CBC.
Condition unknown for injured
Seven people were found dead inside the school, including the suspected shooter. Another victim died of his injuries on the way to the hospital. In addition, two people were found dead in a home that police suspect is connected to the attack.
Police have not yet released any information about those who were killed. There is also no information about the condition of those who were injured.
FACTS
Deadliest attack in Canada since 1989
Mass shootings are more rare in Canada than in the United States, but several violent attacks have hit the country in recent decades. Here are the worst attacks.
April 2025, Vancouver.
A man drives a car into a crowd at a festival. Eleven people die and the 30-year-old driver is charged but is considered too seriously mentally ill to stand trial.
September 2022, Weldon, Saskatchewan.
A 32-year-old man stabs eleven people to death and injures nearly 20 at 13 locations in smaller communities in and around Weldon.
April 2020, Nova Scotia.
A 51-year-old man kills at least 16 people when he disguises himself as a police officer and goes on a shooting spree in several communities in the province of Nova Scotia. He also sets fire to at least five buildings and a number of vehicles.
January 2017, Quebec.
A man shoots six people to death in a mosque. He is later sentenced to life in prison.
December 2014, Edmonton.
A man kills six adults, one of whom was his wife, and two children before taking his own life.
April 1996, Vernon, British Columbia
A 30-year-old man shoots his ex-wife and eight of her relatives who were gathered for a wedding. He then took his own life. The man's motive is believed to be to prevent his ex-wife and her sisters from getting married.
December 1989, Montreal.
A 25-year-old man shoots 14 female students and injures more than a dozen others at the Polytechnique de Montréal university. The man had a stated goal of fighting feminism and specifically targeted female students. He shot himself after the attack.
Sources: BBC and Reuters
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