A Grade 12 student who was barricaded inside a classroom during the tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has spoken publicly about the moment he realized the seriousness of the situation
Canada is grieving after one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent decades. Authorities confirmed that nine people were killed and at least 25 others injured on Tuesday, February 10. The violent incidents occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence, prompting a large-scale emergency response and national breaking news coverage.
Timeline of the Attack
According to law enforcement officials, six victims were found deceased inside the secondary school, while a seventh person died on the way to the hospital. Police also located the body of the suspected shooter inside the school. Authorities stated that the individual appeared to have died from a self-inflicted injur
Two additional victims were discovered at a nearby home, and investigators believe those deaths are connected to the broader criminal investigation.
Federal police confirmed that the suspect matched an earlier public safety alert sent to residents’ mobile devices, describing the individual as a female wearing a dress with brown hair. While officials believe they have identified the suspect, no further personal details have been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Inside the Classroom Lockdown
Student Darian Quist described the tense moments after he arrived at school that afternoon. He told CBC Radio West that alarms sounded almost immediately, triggering emergency lockdown procedures designed to protect students and staff.
Quist said he and others sheltered inside a classroom for more than two hours.
“It was definitely tense,” he explained. “We were all very nervous. We tried to keep things light and support each other.”
During the lockdown, Quist received photos from others that helped him understand the severity of the incident. He described the images as disturbing and said that seeing them made the reality of the situation feel immediate.
“That’s when it really set in,” he said. “I was scared. We even discussed what we would do if someone came to the door.”
Quist explained that students had quietly considered possible escape plans while waiting for updates from authorities.
Police Escort and Emergency Response
After approximately two hours, law enforcement officers entered the classroom and escorted the group to safety. Quist said they were instructed to keep their hands raised at all times during the evacuation — a standard safety protocol in active shooter situation
Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd of Canada’s federal police confirmed during a virtual press conference that investigators are continuing to examine evidence to determine what led to the attack.
“I think we will struggle to determine the ‘why,’” Floyd said. “But we will do everything possible to understand what transpired.”
Officials emphasized that the motive remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.