Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where hundreds gathered to mourn the eight victims killed in a mass shooting there this week. Carney visited the small town on Friday, along with other federal leaders across the political aisle, as well as Canada's Governor-General Mary Simon, in a show of national unity.
Canadians are with you, we will always be with you, Carney told the crowd in a speech that paid tribute to the victims, which included six young school children. Residents in the town are still reeling from the attack, with some visibly in tears and comforting one another as Carney and other leaders addressed their grief.
Many refused to speak to the media on Friday, noting that the presence of journalists in their otherwise quiet town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains has been overwhelming. Carney, who has spent much of his time in office on overseas trade missions, canceled a planned trip to the Munich Security Conference earlier this week in light of the shooting. He invited other federal leaders to travel with him to Tumbler Ridge, showcasing a rare moment of political unity amidst tragedy.
Families of the victims and local residents attended the vigil, with some traveling from nearby communities. I never thought that it would happen here, said Colaina Hall, reflecting on the devastation felt. Police have identified Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, as the shooter, who was found deceased at the school after taking his own life. The RCMP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the procurement of the firearms used in the shooting. As the community mourns, questions about gun control and mental health support resurface, urging a nationwide conversation on preventive measures.
Canadians are with you, we will always be with you, Carney told the crowd in a speech that paid tribute to the victims, which included six young school children. Residents in the town are still reeling from the attack, with some visibly in tears and comforting one another as Carney and other leaders addressed their grief.
Many refused to speak to the media on Friday, noting that the presence of journalists in their otherwise quiet town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains has been overwhelming. Carney, who has spent much of his time in office on overseas trade missions, canceled a planned trip to the Munich Security Conference earlier this week in light of the shooting. He invited other federal leaders to travel with him to Tumbler Ridge, showcasing a rare moment of political unity amidst tragedy.
Families of the victims and local residents attended the vigil, with some traveling from nearby communities. I never thought that it would happen here, said Colaina Hall, reflecting on the devastation felt. Police have identified Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, as the shooter, who was found deceased at the school after taking his own life. The RCMP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the procurement of the firearms used in the shooting. As the community mourns, questions about gun control and mental health support resurface, urging a nationwide conversation on preventive measures.
