Crime
Suspect Fatally Shoots Family Members and Targets Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia
Authorities have confirmed that multiple victims were involved in a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia, prompting an emergency alert and a large-scale response from law enforcement and medical personnel.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued a Police-Initiated Emergency Alert on Tuesday afternoon following reports of gunfire at the school.
In an official statement released at approximately 1:20 p.m., RCMP confirmed officers were actively responding to a โconfirmed active shooter incidentโ at the campus.
Residents throughout Tumbler Ridge were immediately ordered to shelter in place, lock their doors, and avoid leaving their homes or businesses. Officials also urged anyone outside the immediate area to stay clear and comply with all police restrictions.
The suspect was initially described as a female with brown hair wearing a dress. However, in a subsequent update, authorities stated that the original suspect is believed to have been located deceased.
Investigators are continuing to determine whether a second suspect may have been involved and are working to establish the total number of victims.
A woman identifying herself as Anna told Channel2 NOW, who said she moved to Tumbler Ridge several months ago, described the incident as the most devastating tragedy she has witnessed in her lifetime.
According to her account, a young man โ whom she alleged was disguised in female clothing โ fatally attacked his mother, younger brother, and sister before reportedly going to the local high school.
Anna characterized the events as deeply heartbreaking and urged parents to reflect on the seriousness of the tragedy and its impact on families and the broader community. She also extended her prayers and condolences to the students, parents, and families affected by the incident.
Police have not yet released information regarding how many individuals were injured or whether anyone remains in critical condition.
School District 59 confirmed it was aware of a lockdown and โsecure and holdโ procedures implemented at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School as a precaution.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) confirmed it is actively responding to the ongoing incident.
โWe can confirm that we are working collaboratively with our colleagues in Northern Health and the RCMP,โ said Brian Twaites, Paramedic Public Information Officer. โWe will provide additional details when we are able to.โ
STARS Air Ambulance, based in Alberta and specializing in the rapid transport of critically ill and injured patients, also dispatched a crew from Grande Prairie to assist with the emergency response.
The District of Tumbler Ridge released a statement acknowledging the emotional toll on the community.
โOur community has experienced a deeply distressing incident. Our hearts are with all those affected, and we recognize that many residents may be feeling shocked, scared, and overwhelmed.โ
Local officials expressed gratitude for the swift actions of first responders and confirmed that additional support resources were either already in the community or en route.
โIn the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process,โ the statement added.
Additional police resources have been deployed from neighboring detachments, including the North District Emergency Response Team. Officers continue to secure the area, gather evidence, and assess whether any ongoing threats remain.
Authorities have emphasized that the situation should still be treated with caution. Residents are advised not to approach the scene, report suspicious activity immediately, and call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
The emergency alert remains in effect for Tumbler Ridge and surrounding areas within the RCMP-designated radius. No suspect images have been released, and authorities caution that details may change as new information emerges.
This remains an active and evolving investigation involving multiple victims. Residents are urged to remain sheltered, vigilant, and attentive to official updates while authorities work to determine the full scope of the incident.
AUSTIN, Texas โ Authorities have identified the three victims killed in Sunday morningโs mass shooting outside Bufordโs Bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. The attack left three civilians dead and more than a dozen others injured before the gunman was fatally shot by police.
The victims have been identified as Savitha Shan, 21; Ryder Harrington, 19; and Jorge Pederson, 30.
According to the Austin Police Department, the suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire from his vehicle before exiting and continuing to shoot into a crowd in the busy entertainment district near the University of Texas campus.
Officers who were already stationed nearby responded within seconds and fatally shot the suspect.
Officials stated that the rapid response likely prevented additional casualties.
Four people are now confirmed dead, including the shooter.
At least 14 others were transported to area hospitals, with several initially listed in critical condition.
Savitha Shan, 21, was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was known for her leadership and campus involvement. The university referred to her by her full name, Savitha Shanmugasundaram.
UT President Jim Davis addressed the campus community, stating:
โToday, it was confirmed that among those who lost their lives is one UT student. A child of loving parents. A loyal friend to many. A Longhorn preparing to change the world. It is devastating, and I know all of us are grieved by this horrible news and we will remember her.โ
Shan was active in Austinโs Tamil Sangam community and participated in Raas Roedo, which organizes traditional Gujarati folk dance events. She also founded an e-commerce venture known as Sunflakestickers.
Ryder Harrington, 19, had previously attended Texas Tech University and was a member of its Beta Theta Pi chapter. Loved ones described him as โa beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives.โ
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his family with funeral and related expenses as they navigate what relatives describe as an unimaginable loss.
Jorge Pederson, 30, was identified as the third victim to succumb to his injuries. Authorities confirmed he had initially been listed in critical condition at a local hospital following the shooting. Pederson was described by Med City Fighting Championships as a โbeloved Minnesotan fighter.โ
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson urged the community to support one another during the period of mourning, stating:
โContinue to lift them and their families up. And Austin, keep reaching out to each other. Take care of each other. What we do for each other matters, especially in this time of mourning and grief.โ
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Joint Terrorism Task Force have joined the investigation. Officials confirmed the incident is being reviewed as a possible act of terrorism, though no final determination regarding motive has been formally announced.
Investigators reported that the suspect was wearing clothing bearing the phrase โProperty of Allahโ at the time of the attack.
A Quran was recovered from his vehicle, and additional reports indicate he was wearing an undershirt displaying imagery associated with the Iranian flag.
Authorities are examining whether ideological motivations or international developments may have influenced the attack.
Newly released video footage shows the moment the gunman began firing into the crowd, underscoring the speed and severity of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing surveillance footage, digital evidence, and witness accounts.
City leaders have pledged to provide additional updates as confirmed information becomes available.
The Austin community continues to grieve the lives lost and support those injured in what has become one of the cityโs most devastating acts of violence in recent years.