Summary
Canada’s PM Mark Carney tells residents of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia “the nation mourns with you” after nine people were killed in shootings
At least 25 people were injured in the attacks at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and at a home – here’s how they unfolded
Six victims were found dead inside the school, which is around 415 miles north of Vancouver, while a seventh died on the way to hospital
Two more people were found dead at a residence nearby. Police believe the shootings are connected but can’t say definitively
Police say the suspect was found dead at the school. They say they know the attacker’s identity but have not revealed their name and gender
Earlier, a shelter-in-place alert described the suspect as a “female in a dress with brown hair”
A student describes how he and his classmates barricaded the classroom doors with tables, while a teacher details how they hid for hours during the shooting
Town councillor: ‘I know these children, I’ve seen them grow up’
A makeshift road-stopper which says ‘Tumbler Ridge’ Image source, EVNTumbler Ridge town councillor Chris Norbury, who we heard from earlier, says he knows every one of the victims of the attack after spending a decade as a children’s librarian.
Norbury’s wife is also a teacher at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where the shooting took place.
He tells CBC News’ the National: “I know these children, I’ve seen them grow up… we sang stories together, we read books together.. I saw them everywhere.
“And knowing that I can’t see them anymore, that we won’t see them anymore, that their family has to live with this incredible loss… is almost unbearable,” Norbury continues.
“I’m afraid for the rest of our community, feeling that loss,” he adds.
Canada’s PM suspends schedule and trip to Germany
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney Image source, ReutersThe only thing on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s itinerary today, according to his office, is a meeting with MPs at 10:00 local time (15:00 GMT).
The rest of the prime minister’s previously announced schedule has been suspended “in light of Tuesday’s tragic events in Tumbler Ridge”, according to a statement.
We learnt earlier how the PM had suspended his planned trip to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, which begins on Friday.
The conference hosts more than 60 heads of state and government, and covers issues from AI to support for Ukraine.
The nation mourns with you – Canada stands by you, says tearful Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has just arrived at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where he tells reporters it is a “difficult day” for Tumbler Ridge and Canada.
“Parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love,” Carney says.
“The nation mourns with you. Canada stands by you.”
Carney thanks emergency services and world leaders who have reached out to him in solidarity – including King Charles III, who is Canada’s head of state.
The PM then says he has instructed that flags across all government buildings are to be flown at half mast for the next week.
“We will get through this,” Carney continues. “But right now it is a time to come together, like Canadians do in these terrible situations. To support each other, to mourn together and to grow together.”
