British Columbia: A shooting rampage in Canada’s British Columbia has left nine people dead, including the 18-year-old attacker, in one of the deadliest incidents in the province in recent years.
According to police, the accused, identified as 18-year-old Jessie Van Rutselaar, first opened fire at her residence, killing her mother and 11-year-old stepbrother. She then proceeded to a local secondary school, where she allegedly shot dead a teacher and five students aged between 12 and 17.
Authorities said the accused later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The total death toll stands at nine, including the gunwoman.
Police officials confirmed that several others were injured in the attack and are undergoing treatment in hospital. Their condition is stated to be stable.
The incident has sent shockwaves across Canada. The Prime Minister cancelled his scheduled Europe visit following the tragedy, and members of the Canadian Parliament observed a two-minute silence in memory of the victims.
Investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack and how the accused gained access to firearms.
