Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia is reeling after a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday, leaving eight people dead, including five students and one teacher. Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed nearly 2,000 people at a candlelight vigil Friday, telling residents, “We are with you, and we will always be with you.”
A Nation Mourns
The vigil brought together federal, provincial, and local leaders, including Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and NDP interim Leader Don Davies. The prime minister acknowledged the profound grief felt by the community, stating, “I know that nothing I can say will bring your children home.”
The 18-year-old shooter, a transgender woman, first killed her mother and stepbrother at home before opening fire at the school and ultimately taking her own life. Police have identified the victims from the school as Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Ezekiel Schofield, and educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand.
Political Unity in the Face of Tragedy
In a rare display of unity, Prime Minister Carney and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre stood side-by-side, holding hands, at the vigil. Poilievre stated, “Today, there are no Conservatives. There are no Liberals, New Democrats, Greens or Bloc Quebecois. We are all just mothers and fathers.” He likewise commended Carney for his “tremendous grace.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby praised the heroism of a teacher who barricaded students in a classroom, even while his own son was briefly outside of the room. Older students were also credited with comforting and protecting younger students.
Investigation and Recovery
According to Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, the shooter did not appear to be targeting specific individuals at the school, but was “hunting,” prepared to engage anyone encountered. Two individuals, Maya Gebala, 12, and Paige Hoekstra, 19, remain hospitalized in Vancouver after sustaining bullet wounds.
Mayor Darryl Krakowka urged the community to support one another, acknowledging the difficulty of returning to normal life, but also affirming the town’s resilience: “Tumbler Ridge has been shaken, but not broken.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Prime Minister Carney say to the residents of Tumbler Ridge?
Prime Minister Carney told residents that the country is “with you, and we will always be with you.” He also acknowledged that words could not fill the silence in their homes.
Who attended the vigil in Tumbler Ridge?
The vigil was attended by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and NDP interim Leader Don Davies, along with First Nations chiefs and local officials.
What did police say about the shooter’s motives?
According to Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, the shooter did not appear to be searching for a specific target, but was “hunting” and prepared to engage anyone.
As the community begins to grapple with this immense loss, how will Tumbler Ridge navigate the long road to healing and recovery?
