Prime Minister Mark Carney Visits Tumbler Ridge After Devastating School Shooting
Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, today to attend a community vigil following Tuesday's horrific mass shooting. The tragedy unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10, resulting in nine fatalities and leaving 25 individuals with injuries.
Details of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting
The shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six victims were found deceased. Two additional victims were discovered dead at a nearby residence on Fellers Avenue. The shooter died from a self-inflicted injury inside the school. Among the injured, two children were airlifted to a Vancouver hospital with serious wounds.
Twelve-year-old Maya Gebala remains in critical condition at B.C. Children's Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds to her head and neck. According to a GoFundMe campaign update organized by family friend Krysta Hunt, Maya has shown signs of movement, providing hope to her family and supporters. Another child, Paige Hoekstra, was also seriously injured in the attack.
Victims Identified by B.C. RCMP
The B.C. RCMP has officially released the names and ages of the victims:
- Abel Mwansa, 12
- Ezekiel Schofield, 13
- Kylie Smith, 12
- Zoey Benoit, 12
- Ticaria Lampert, 12
- Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39
- Emmett Jacobs, 11
- Jennifer Jacobs, 39
B.C. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald expressed deep condolences to the families and the entire Tumbler Ridge community, emphasizing the need for support and healing during this time of profound sorrow.
Prime Minister's Response and Community Vigil
Prime Minister Carney issued a statement on Tuesday expressing devastation over the shooting. "My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence," he said. "I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today."
Carney has invited leaders of all political parties to accompany him to the vigil, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka confirmed that plans for a community vigil are underway to honor the victims and support the grieving community.
Bravery of First Responders
The RCMP has recognized four officers who responded to the shooting with "immeasurable bravery":
- Sgt. Bill Hughes (21 years of service)
- Const. Jonathan Kohut (8 years of service)
- Const. Tyler Noon (11 years of service)
- Const. Nick Gachter (5 years of service)
These officers have been released from duty to decompress and recover, with additional RCMP resources deployed to Tumbler Ridge to ensure adequate staffing during this difficult period.
The community of Tumbler Ridge continues to process this tragedy as it begins the long journey toward healing and recovery.
