People in the small Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge have reacted with shock and disbelief after nine people were killed and at least 25 were wounded in a shooting at a local secondary school and home. Members of the remote community, located 415 miles (667 km) northeast of Vancouver, expressed their fear and uncertainty during the school lockdown, where the situation escalated unpredictably. Mayor Darryl Krakowka, who has lived in the community for 19 years, remarked, I will know every victim. We're a small community... I don't call them residents. I call them family.
Among those affected was town councillor Chris Norbury, whose family was directly involved in the lockdown situation. He described the dread experienced while waiting for news of his wife and daughter, whose schools were also placed on lockdown. Students described barricading classroom doors while tense and fearful.
Darian Quist, a grade 12 student, recalled being in lockdown during the chaos, sending distressing messages about the unfolding events. His mother, a local hospital worker, remained on the phone with him as they both sought clarity amidst the confusion. As the tragedy unfolded, emergency services flooded the scene, bringing an air of urgency and fear over the once quiet town known for its low crime rates.
In the aftermath, community members reflect on the loss and the deep-rooted connections they share. Town councillors and residents alike share their concerns about the long-term impact of this tragedy on the community’s psyche. Norbury poignantly stated, It’s an incredible shock that anything like this could happen. We will get through this together.\
Among those affected was town councillor Chris Norbury, whose family was directly involved in the lockdown situation. He described the dread experienced while waiting for news of his wife and daughter, whose schools were also placed on lockdown. Students described barricading classroom doors while tense and fearful.
Darian Quist, a grade 12 student, recalled being in lockdown during the chaos, sending distressing messages about the unfolding events. His mother, a local hospital worker, remained on the phone with him as they both sought clarity amidst the confusion. As the tragedy unfolded, emergency services flooded the scene, bringing an air of urgency and fear over the once quiet town known for its low crime rates.
In the aftermath, community members reflect on the loss and the deep-rooted connections they share. Town councillors and residents alike share their concerns about the long-term impact of this tragedy on the community’s psyche. Norbury poignantly stated, It’s an incredible shock that anything like this could happen. We will get through this together.\
