On February 12, 2026, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent a telegram of condolences to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney following the tragic events in the province of British Columbia, DKNews.kz reports.
The message was prompted by a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, home to about 3,000 residents.
The President of Kazakhstan expressed solidarity with the people of Canada, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a swift recovery to those injured.
According to police, six bodies were discovered inside the school building. Two more individuals were found dead in a private residence believed to be connected to the attack. The body of the suspected shooter, who had sustained a self-inflicted wound, was also located inside the school.
In total, authorities reported that 25 people were injured. Two of the victims were airlifted to hospital in critical condition.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Dwayne MacDonald stated at a press conference that the suspect was identified as 18-year-old local resident Jessie Van Rutsellar.
Tumbler Ridge is a quiet northern community in British Columbia, where such violence seems unimaginable. For a close-knit town where most residents know one another personally, the tragedy has come as a profound shock.
Local authorities continue to investigate the incident, working to establish the motive and reconstruct the timeline of events. Psychologists and crisis response teams are providing support to students, parents, and teachers across the region.
The telegram of condolences from Kazakhstan serves as a gesture of support during a difficult time for Canada. In tragedies like this, borders fade — the pain of one nation resonates around the world.
President Tokayev подчеркнул that Kazakhstan shares in the grief of the Canadian people.
School shootings remain one of the most painful and sensitive issues for societies worldwide, raising urgent questions about safety, youth mental health support, and violence prevention.
The investigation is ongoing. Canadian authorities have pledged to provide further details as new information becomes available.
