An emotional Carney says 'the nation mourns,' orders flags at half-mast after B.C. shooting
CBC
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday the country is in mourning after a tragic shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., left nine dead and more than 25 injured in one of the worst mass killings in Canadian history.
"It's a very difficult day for the nation," Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill as tears filled his eyes.
"Parents, grandparents, sisters and brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love. The nation mourns with you, Canada stands with you."
Carney and other parliamentary leaders are due to make a statement in the House of Commons at 2 p.m. ET, and then MPs will adjourn for day.
The prime minister cancelled other planned events on his schedule on Wednesday, including an announcement in Halifax on Canada's security and defence.
Carney was also due to travel to Europe for the Munich Security Conference but the prime minister has decided to stay in Ottawa at this time, his office said, and a complement of ministers will go in his place.
Carney said Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree was en route to B.C. to help co-ordinate the federal response to the mass shooting Tuesday in the small town in the northeastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Anandasangaree and Housing Minister Gregor Robertson, who is from Vancouver, will be accompanying B.C. Premier David Eby.
"All assistance will be offered," Carney said, while thanking first responders, school staff and community members "for everything they've done in this terrible situation."
Six victims were found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and another died on the way to the hospital.
Two more people were found dead in a home, which police believed to be connected to the school shooting. The only suspect was found dead inside the school from what police said was "a self-inflicted injury."
The RCMP hasn't released more information about who they believe is the shooter. Law enforcement have also not released details about the victims' identities, including their age, citing privacy and a need to confirm and notify family first, as is standard practice in B.C.
Carney said all flags on Parliament Hill and federal buildings across the country will be flown at half-mast for the next seven days.
"We will get through this, we will learn from this, but right now it's a time to come together as Canadians always do in these terrible situations."
WARNING: This story discusses child sexual abuse material and contains graphic details of alleged sexual assault
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