“Wrap these families with love” Eby says following Tumbler Ridge tragedy

B.C. Premier David Eby, is asking British Columbians and Canadians to “wrap the people of Tumbler Ridge with love,” following Tuesday’s tragedy which saw at least ten people killed in a mass shooting in the community.

Eby says right now information is limited, and the RCMP has asked for patience as they investigate the incident.

“It’s hard to know what to say on a night like tonight, this is the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places and not close to home in a way that this feels for so many British Columbians and Canadians,” he said.

“The devastation these families face, it’s just impossible to understand what they’re going through without going through it yourself.”

At the time of his news conference, Eby said police were unable to share details about the victims, as they were still reaching out to families.

Eby said he also spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who shared grief.

“He is following this very closely, had received briefings from RCMP as well, and has offered any assistance the federal government can offer to the province in supporting the people of Tumbler Ridge going forward,” Eby said.

“I was very grateful for his outreach, he reached out right away, and his commitment to support British Columbians in this moment.”

 Eby said he was also able to speak with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who offered assistance through health care.

“Tumbler Ridge is close to the border, and a major regional healthcare centre is there in Grande Prairie, very grateful to the Albertans who offered to step up and provide support in this moment as well,” he said.

He added his government will make sure resources are there for the community, and he expects to be up to Tumbler Ridge as soon as possible.

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger says trauma-informed counsellors are being sent to the region to support families.

“The School District will be making supports available, and once we have locations for where these supports will be, the District will share that information on social media,” she said.

“We will be making sure services are available to members of the broader community who need it as well.”

According to Krieger, RCMP were on the scene in less than two minutes, and there was also an additional response from surrounding communities.

Darin Bain
Darin Bain
Darin is a news reporter for Vista Radio's Prince George stations. His career started in the Cariboo in 2020, working as a News Reporter in both 100 Mile House and Williams Lake before making the move to Prince George in late 2021.

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