Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep grief and solidarity with Canada following a deadly shooting incident in British Columbia that claimed nine lives and left several others injured.

In a post on X, Modi described the attack as “horrendous,” extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wished a swift recovery to those hurt in the tragedy. He reaffirmed India’s support for the Canadian people during what he called a “moment of profound grief.”

The statement came after a mass shooting on Tuesday (local time) in the small mining town of Tumbler Ridge, where seven victims were found dead inside a local high school and two others in a nearby home. Authorities believe the suspected shooter later died by suicide at the school.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd, who leads the force’s northern district in British Columbia, confirmed the details during a virtual press briefing. He said approximately 100 students and staff were safely evacuated from the school following the attack.

Preliminary information suggested that the suspect may have been a woman or someone dressed in female attire. An emergency alert sent to local residents had described the suspect as a brown-haired female wearing a dress. However, police have not yet confirmed the identity, age, or motive of the shooter, citing privacy concerns and an ongoing investigation.

Floyd noted that the two locations — the school and the nearby house — were connected, but investigators were still trying to piece together what led to the violence. “We may never fully understand the ‘why,’ but we are committed to establishing exactly what happened,” he said.

Two seriously injured individuals were airlifted to a hospital, while 25 others received medical evaluations at a local clinic for minor injuries or shock.

British Columbia Premier David Eby called the incident an “unimaginable tragedy” and pledged full government support for the grieving community. He said counseling services and other assistance would be made available to students, families, and first responders.

Tumbler Ridge, a remote town of about 2,400 residents known for its coal mining history and prehistoric fossil sites, has rarely experienced violent crime of this scale, making the attack even more shocking for the close-knit community.

As investigations continue, Canadian authorities are focusing on forensic evidence, digital records, and witness accounts to determine the sequence of events and any possible motive behind the attack.

Meanwhile, international leaders, including PM Modi, have conveyed condolences, underscoring the global impact of such acts of violence and the shared commitment to compassion in times of crisis.