Featured Image Credit: CTV NEWS
Topics: Canada, News, World News, Parenting
Niamh Shackleton
The people of Tumbler Ridge, Canada, are grieving the loss of the victims who were fatally shot on February 10 in the country's first mass shootings in years.
On Tuesday, Lance Young dropped his daughter Kylie Smith off at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as normal, unaware that this would be the last time he saw his 12-year-old daughter.
Then, around 1:30pm local time on the day in question, police received reports of an active shooter at the school.
They arrived at the high school within minutes and were met with devastating scenes of injured and deceased students and teachers.
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The shooter also carried out an attack at her home located near the school, killing her mother and stepbrother, 11.
Nine people have now died as a result of the shootings, CNN reports, including the suspect who has been named as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.
One of the victims has been named as Kylie, 12, and her parents have now spoken out following their daughter's sudden passing.
Speaking to CTV News, Lance described his daughter as 'a beautiful soul' and pleaded that the focus remain on the victims and not the suspect.
"If you want to put someone’s picture up on the news, put my daughter’s picture up," he said.
"Let’s stop giving this psychopath the recognition. These kids were lost before they even became teenagers."
Kylie was just three months away from marking her 13th birthday.
Lance went on to say that Kylie loved anime and art, and had dreams of going on to study in Toronto one day.
He went on to urge other parents in light of Tuesday's tragedy: "Hold your kids tight. Tell them you love them every day, because you never know."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reacted to the heartbreaking news of Tuesday's shootings online and said he was 'devastated'.
"I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence," he penned on Twitter.
"I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens."
Police are continuing to investigate Tuesday's incidents. The suspect's motive has not been disclosed.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.