A tragic shooting at a rural school near the Alberta-British Columbia border in Canada claimed nine lives, including a teacher and several students. Authorities identified the suspect as an 18-year-old transgender woman who first killed two family members at home before targeting the school.
Incident Timeline
The attack unfolded rapidly on the 11th (local time). The suspect fatally shot her mother, aged 39, and 11-year-old stepbrother at their residence. She then proceeded to the nearby school, just two minutes away, where she opened fire.
Victims at the school included a 39-year-old female teacher, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 to 13. Initial reports cited 10 deaths, but investigators corrected the toll to nine. Most victims suffered fatal shots to the head or neck.
Suspect Profile
The perpetrator, previously enrolled at the school but who dropped out four years ago, entered the premises disguised as male despite identifying as a transgender woman. She underwent gender transition surgery from male to female six years prior, at age 12.
Police described her as suffering from mental health challenges linked to gender identity and ongoing harassment. Current enrollment at the school stands at 27 students, with two surviving by hiding. The facility serves grades 7 through 12, with approximately 175 students aged 12 to 18.
Survivor Accounts
Maya Gebala, a critically injured 12-year-old survivor shot in the face and neck, recounted the horror through her mother: “She was in a classroom without windows or doors.” Her mother added, “It doesn’t feel real. My child was also threatened with a knife.”
Official Statements
Dwayne MacDonald, deputy superintendent of the provincial police, stated, “The suspect arrived at the school and carried out this violence. Even with assistance from responding investigators, she had brought the guns.” He noted the rapid escalation during the inquiry.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed solidarity, saying, “Canada stands with the victims and their families. We are by their side.” He confirmed a seven-day investigation period and vowed to monitor the crisis closely.
Broader Context
The school lies in a remote village roughly 1,155 kilometers from Vancouver. Canada maintains strict gun control measures, making school shootings exceedingly rare. Analysis from international observers describes this as the deadliest such incident in the country in 30 years.
