New Delhi witnessed a heartfelt response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday following the tragic mass shooting at a high school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. In a poignant message on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed profound shock and extended his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
The devastating incident, which unfolded on Tuesday local time, claimed the lives of nine individuals—seven at the local high school and two at a nearby residence. The shooter, believed to be a woman or someone dressed as one with brown hair, was also found dead, as confirmed by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Northern District Superintendent Ken Floyd during a virtual press conference.
“Devastated by the horrific shooting in Canada. I convey my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for a speedy recovery for the injured. India stands with the people of Canada in this hour of deep grief,” PM Modi posted, underscoring India’s solidarity with the affected community.
Around 100 staff and students were safely evacuated from the school, with two seriously injured victims airlifted to hospitals and 25 others treated for injuries at a local medical center. The small coal mining town of Tumbler Ridge, home to about 2,400 residents and renowned for its dinosaur footprints and fossils, is reeling from the shock.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack, with Floyd noting the challenges in uncovering the ‘why’ but committing to a thorough investigation of the ‘what’ occurred. British Columbia Premier David Eby described the event as an ‘unthinkable tragedy’ and pledged full government support to the community in the coming days.
This incident highlights the growing concerns over gun violence in educational institutions worldwide, prompting renewed calls for preventive measures. As investigations continue, the world watches in sorrow, with PM Modi’s words resonating as a beacon of international empathy.