Canada school shooting: what we know so far - The Latest

The Latest episode discusses the tragic mass shooting at a secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where nine people died, including the perpetrator. This event marks the second worst mass shooting in Canadian history, leaving the close-knit community in profound shock as they grapple with the tragedy. 25 individuals were reported injured, with police confirming details only slowly, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation.

Tumbler Ridge, a small community of 2,500, is described as tightly knit, where isolation means everyone knows each other, raising the emotional stakes of this violence. The police response was swift, but information regarding the shooter, the relationship with the victims, and the weapons involved remains unclear. Local officials have closed the school for the week as the community mourns.

The episode also touches on Canada's generally stringent gun laws, noting that gun ownership tends to differ from that in the U.S. While hunting is common in rural areas, handguns are tightly regulated. Discussions around gun reform have been ongoing, but it remains uncertain if this incident will significantly shift public policy discussions. As the investigation unfolds, the episode ends with reflections on the uncertainty and grief enveloping Tumbler Ridge as residents seek answers and try to comprehend the impact of this unfamiliar violence.