Police began putting tape out near theTumbler Ridge Secondary School and surrounding buildings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

mass shooting

Suspect identified, investigation continues after 9 dead in Tumbler Ridge shooting

Feb 11, 2026 | 12:40 PM

TUMBLER RIDGE — Police have identified an 18-year-old local resident as the person responsible for one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history.

The shooter was among the nine people who died in the small northern B.C. community of Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday, Feb. 10, when they first killed their mother and brother inside the family home, before opening fire at the local high school.

Another six people were killed and 25 others injured before the shooter took their own life, with victims ranging in age from 11 to 39 years old.

RCMP deputy commissioner Dwayne McDonald said their investigation is still in its initial stages and there remains a lot of unanswered questions as to how or why this incident unfolded.

“We don’t have an idea yet as to motive. Recognizing we’re still less than 24 hours into this incident, it is something we are certainly passionately pursuing but it would be too early to speculate on motive at this time.”

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Initial reports from Tuesday stated 10 people had died, including the shooter.

McDonald revised counts during a media briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 11, stating one victim who was believed to be deceased, was actually flown to hospital with serious injuries.

More information was provided regarding the shooter, who NanaimoNewsNOW is choosing not to publicly name under a long-standing policy related to these types of events.

McDonald confirmed they were from Tumbler Ridge, but had dropped out of high school around four years ago.

Officers in the community were aware of the shooter and their family through several past interactions.

“Police have attended that residence on multiple occasions over the past several years, dealing with concerns of mental health with respect to our suspect,” McDonald said. “On different occasions, the suspect was apprehended for assessment (under the Mental Health Act).”

McDonald said other interactions at the family home had involved firearms, and the shooter had an expired firearms license, but no firearms were registered to them directly.

Two firearms were recovered at the school: a long gun and a modified handgun.

“Determining the origin of these firearms and what role they played remains a significant part of the active and ongoing investigation.”

McDonald said the shooter self-identified as a woman, matching suspect reports during the shooting of a woman wearing a dress.

He added the 18-year-old was assigned male at birth and began their transition around six years ago.

McDonald was unable to comment on any bullying or harassment towards the shooter before Tuesday.

He said there were no known relations between the victim and those killed at the school.

Grief has been profound and widespread.

Canadian flags across the country have been ordered to half-mast by Prime Minister Mark Carney, while similar moves have been made by B.C. Premier David Eby and several local governments.

City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said City flags will remain lowered until further notice.

“I extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the residents, families and loved ones affected by the devastating event in Tumbler Ridge. Communities across British Columbia are grieving and Nanaimo stands with them during this difficult time.”

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools superintendent Robyn Gray said in an email to families on Wednesday, the incident in Tumbler Ridge is “understandably upsetting for adults and children alike.”

She said support for children in class will be available if needed, and she is encouraging parents and caregivers to monitor any changes in their children’s behaviours as a result of the incident.

“Children may experience a wide range of emotions in response to what they hear or see, and they will look to the adults in their lives to help them feel safe and understand the world around them. Over the coming days or weeks, we encourage families to remain attentive to any changes in their child’s behaviours that may indicate a need for additional support.”

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