Canada town Tumbler Ridge mourns school shooting victims
Deutsche Welle
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A remote mining town in Canada’s British Columbia province became the site of one of the country’s deadliest school shootings, drawing national attention and solidarity. Prime Minister Mark Carney and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre attended a candlelight vigil in Tumbler Ridge to honor the victims, with hundreds of community members gathering to mourn and show support. The shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, leaving five children and one educator dead, along with the suspect who killed herself after a tragic family incident earlier in the week.
The shooter, an 18-year-old identified as transgender, had faced mental health challenges and appeared to target individuals randomly. Her victims included Abel Mwansa, Ezekiel Schofield, Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert—five students aged 12 or 13—and teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39. The shooter’s mother and step-brother were also killed in their home before the attack on the school. During the vigil, Carney praised the town’s first responders for their swift action and teachers who shielded students during the chaos.
The tragedy has sparked conversations about gun control in Canada, where such incidents are rare compared to the United States. Prime Minister Carney emphasized the nation’s enduring support for Tumbler Ridge, calling on Canadians to stand with the grieving community. The vigil not only highlighted the loss of life but also showcased the resilience and unity of the town, as community members held hands, displayed victim photos, and shared heartfelt condolences.
This incident underscores the global issue of gun violence and its impact on communities, even in countries with stronger firearm regulations. While Canada’s policies aim to reduce such tragedies, incidents like this remind nations of the challenges in preventing violence, particularly when mental health issues intersect with access to weapons. The response from Canadian leaders and the public demonstrates the importance of collective support during times of grief, offering a model for addressing similar crises worldwide.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/14/2026