Canadian police are investigating a shooting in the western part of the country that left eight people dead, including the 18-year-old woman believed to be the perpetrator. The incident, which unfolded Tuesday, has shocked the small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, and prompted questions about the motive behind the attack.
According to early reports, the suspect also shot and killed her mother and brother. The attack took place in a college-high school and a nearby residence.
Authorities stated Wednesday they have no current understanding of what motivated the shooting. “We don’t have any idea yet as to what the motive is… It would be too early to speculate on motivations at this stage,” said Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police during a press conference.
Revised Death Toll
Police clarified Wednesday afternoon that the death toll from the shooting in western Canada was eight, correcting earlier reports that indicated nine fatalities.
“I would like to correct some information that was disseminated yesterday (Tuesday) and clarify that nine people in total have died” as a result of the attack, including the suspect, who also died, McDonald explained during the press conference.
“Initially, it was believed that one of the victims, a woman suffering from serious injuries who had been transported from the scene by our members to hospital, had succumbed to her injuries. Police have since confirmed that this was not the case. She is alive,” he added.
