India Stands In Solidarity With The People Of Canada, Says PM Modi After Deadly School Shooting In British Columbia

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow following a fatal shooting at a school in Canada’s British Columbia province. He offered sympathies to bereaved families and expressed hopes for the swift recovery of those hurt in the attack.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Deeply shocked by the horrendous shooting in Canada. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada in this moment of profound grief.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks followed reports that nine individuals died in a shooting rampage in a mining community in British Columbia on Tuesday (local time).

Officials indicated that the suspected gunman, believed to be a woman, later took her own life.

According to Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s northern district, officers discovered seven victims inside a secondary school in Tumbler Ridge. They found two others at a nearby residence.

Police Briefing Details Linked Crime Scenes

Speaking during an online press briefing, Floyd confirmed that the alleged attacker was located deceased within the school premises. He added that roughly 100 pupils and staff members were safely escorted out of the building.

Initial information suggested the suspect was either a woman or dressed in women’s clothing.

Ken Floyd declined to clarify whether the individual was a student or an adult, citing confidentiality and the active investigation. He did, however, confirm that the deceased suspect matched the description circulated in an emergency alert sent to mobile phones in the vicinity.

The alert described the individual as a brown-haired female wearing a dress.

Police stated that two critically injured individuals were transported by air ambulance to the hospital, while a further 25 people were examined at a local healthcare facility.

British Columbia Premier David Eby described the episode as an ‘unimaginable tragedy’. He pledged that authorities would provide comprehensive assistance to affected residents in the days ahead.

Investigators have yet to establish a motive for the assault.

Floyd acknowledged the challenge of determining the reasons behind the attack. He said uncovering the ‘why’ may prove difficult, but investigators would continue working to piece together the sequence of events.

Floyd added that the residence where authorities found two bodies lay close to the school. Investigators had linked both crime scenes.

Tumbler Ridge, home to around 2,400 people, is a small coal-producing town known for its dinosaur fossil sites and preserved footprints.