Crime
12‑year‑old Kylie May Smith killed in Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting
The family of 12-year-old Kylie May Smith is mourning an unimaginable loss after confirming she was among the victims killed in the tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.
Kylie’s aunt, Shanon, shared the heartbreaking news in a public statement, explaining that the young girl was inside the school when the gunfire erupted and did not survive.
“Yesterday our family received the gut-wrenching news that our beautiful Kylie May was confirmed to be one of the victims in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting,” she wrote. “She was just 12 years old. We are completely devastated and have no words as we try to process the magnitude of the situation.”
Authorities report that Kylie was among more than two dozen students and staff wounded when a suspect opened fire at approximately 1:20 p.m. At least seven people were killed at the school, while two additional victims were discovered at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the attack. The suspect was also found dead at the scene.
Officials have not yet finalized the identification of all victims and continue to investigate the timeline, motive, and circumstances surrounding the violence.
Students who survived described barricading themselves inside classrooms for hours, fearing the attacker might attempt to force entry. Video from the aftermath showed students exiting the building with their hands raised as law enforcement surrounded the campus and a helicopter monitored the situation from above.
The secondary school, which serves about 175 students, along with the local elementary school, will remain closed for the rest of the week as the community grieves.
Shanon explained that much of Kylie’s immediate family lives on Vancouver Island, while her mother, Desirae — Shanon’s sister — had only recently relocated after spending nearly 12 years in Tumbler Ridge. Tragically, Desirae had not seen her daughter in several months.
Kylie’s brother had just returned north from Vancouver Island and is now facing the devastating reality of losing his sister.
“Kylie’s dad and stepmom are caring for her brother and stepbrother right now, and their world — our world — has crumbled,” Shanon wrote.
To help the family navigate the difficult weeks and months ahead, Shanon established a fundraising effort that will support travel expenses, immediate family needs, and eventually a memorial to honor Kylie’s life.
“We will also be using the funds for a memorial for Kylie, or as her parents see fit, to remember the beautiful, kind, innocent soul she was,” she said, adding that further details will be shared once the family has had time to process the tragedy.
She also extended compassion to others affected by the shooting.
“My heart aches for the other families involved and for the loss of their children. I am so sorry. To the families with children still in the hospital — keep fighting. We are sending you prayers.”
Tumbler Ridge — a close-knit mountain town of roughly 2,400 residents in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies — is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming community known for its natural beauty, including lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and internationally recognized dinosaur fossil sites.
Mayor Darryl Krakowka said the tragedy has shaken the town to its core.
“I broke down,” he said. “It is devastating. I have lived here for 18 years — I probably know every one of the victims. This community is like a big family.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby noted that police officers reached the school within minutes of the first emergency calls, highlighting the rapid response by first responders.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed the nation’s sorrow.
“I am devastated by this shooting. I join Canadians in mourning with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect others.”
The attack is being described as one of the most significant acts of mass violence in Canada in recent years, prompting renewed conversations about safety and prevention while communities focus on supporting survivors and grieving families.
As investigators continue their work, Tumbler Ridge remains united in grief — remembering the young lives lost, including 12-year-old Kylie May Smith, and offering strength to those still fighting to recover.
For now, a town waits, mourns, and leans on one another in the face of profound sorrow.
DALLAS, Texas — March 3, 2026, 7:31 p.m. ET — A man was taken into custody Tuesday evening outside a Dallas hotel where Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was scheduled to host his election night watch party.
Officers with the Dallas Police Department detained the individual shortly before 6:00 p.m. Central time outside the Marriott Dallas Uptown.
It was not immediately clear whether the detention was directly related to the political event.
According to witnesses, the man had been driving a blue sedan parked near the hotel entrance. During a search of the vehicle, officers were seen removing what appeared to be ammunition compatible with multiple types of firearms.
Police also appeared to retrieve a license plate from inside the vehicle. Observers noted that the car did not display visible plates at the time.
The individual was reportedly wearing a camouflage face covering, sunglasses, a hat, and gloves while outside the hotel.
A member of Paxton’s campaign staff stated that the man had briefly entered the hotel and requested to use the restroom.
The staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, said the man claimed to be an Uber driver. However, the staffer expressed skepticism, citing the absence of license plates on the vehicle.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the individual was armed when he entered the hotel, nor have they publicly specified the reason for his detention.
Doors for the event were scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m., with campaign staff and members of the media already inside the venue.
Polls across most of Texas were set to close at 7:00 p.m., and Paxton is expected to address supporters later in the evening.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details have not yet been released.