Condolences Pour In From Around the World Following BC School Tragedy

Condolences from across the world are pouring in after a Feb. 10 shooting at a British Columbia high school and home left nine people dead.

“Horror has struck a school in Tumbler Ridge, Canada,” French President Emmanuel Macron wrote. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire educational community. France stands alongside the Canadian people.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was “deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic attack.”

“I send my sincere condolences to all Canadians impacted by this horrific event,” Albanese said on X. “Australian hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims and we are all thinking of those injured.”

U.S. ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra offered a prayer to the community.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the community of Tumbler Ridge and all of British Columbia today,” he wrote on X. “My personal prayer is that in these difficult times, they find the peace and comfort that only He can provide.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney said during a Feb. 11 press briefing that he has heard from a number of world leaders offering condolences in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., the previous day.

Six victims and the suspect died following the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in the northeastern B.C. town, according to the RCMP.  Police said two more bodies were found at a residence believed to be associated with the event. At least 25 people were injured, two of them in life-threatening condition. Police said the suspect died of a self-inflicted injury.

British High Commissioner to Canada Rob Tinline extended sympathy from the United Kingdom.

“All of our thoughts are with the community in Tumbler Ridge, and those who have lost loved ones in these appalling and incomprehensible acts of violence,” he said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the news in an X post as “terrible,” saying it has left his nation “deeply shaken.”

“I wish those who were injured a swift recovery,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply shocked” by the “horrendous” incident.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he said on X. “India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada in this moment of profound grief.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country was shocked by the news of the shooting and expressed condolences on behalf of his people.

“When children are killed, no one should remain indifferent. Such tragedies should never happen anywhere, in any country in the world,” he wrote. “We hope that all those who were injured will recover quickly.”

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said his country “stands in solidarity with all those affected” and offered condolences to the “families grieving unimaginable loss.”

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic also offered “deepest condolences to the families of the victims, to the Canadian people — especially the residents of British Columbia and Tumbler Ridge — as well as to Prime Minister Carney.”

Premiers Offer Sympathies

B.C. Premier David Eby released a statement on Feb. 10 saying the province would support the community in the days ahead, while other provincial leaders have since made statements of sympathy and support in social media postings.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her thoughts are with all of those impacted by the tragedy.

“I can only imagine the absolute devastation that the students, families, staff, and entire community must be feeling right now,” she wrote on X. “To the families grieving, the friends and classmates who are also impacted, and the first responders on the ground — know that Alberta and the whole of Canada is thinking of you and our hearts go out to you and your community.”

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe called news of the shooting “horrifying.”

“Our prayers are with the families of the victims, those injured, and everyone in the community,” he said.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called the incident “an unthinkable tragedy.”

“Schools should always be places of safety and care,” he wrote. “Manitoba stands with our friends and relatives in British Columbia as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his province “stands ready to support the people of British Columbia however we can.”

“My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and everyone who was impacted by the terrible shooting that took place yesterday in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.,” he said on X. “I’m praying for a full recovery for all those who were injured in the attack.”

Quebec Premier François Legault said he was “deeply saddened by the shooting.”

“My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected,” he said. “Quebec stands in solidarity with British Columbia during this ordeal.”

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said her province’s thoughts were with all of those who are grieving.

“During times like these, we come together with compassion to support one another, and ensure that every family affected feels the strength of our care and unity,” she said on Facebook.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston offered similar sentiments saying his province “stands in solidarity with British Columbia during this tragic time.”

Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz also shared condolences.

“My thoughts are with the families, students, educators, first responders, and the entire community as they grieve this heartbreaking loss,” he said on Facebook.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham described the incident as “tragic and heartbreaking.”

“On behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, students, educators, and first responders affected by this senseless act of violence,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the entire community as they grieve and begin the difficult process of healing.”

Editor’s note: This article was updated after the RCMP corrected their previously reported death toll.