A Message From the Desk of The Canadian Loyalist

We join Canadians everywhere in profound sorrow following the devastating, senseless act of violence in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10th, 2026, which claimed eight innocent lives, including children and a devoted educator, and left dozens more wounded. We honor the courage and selflessness of the staff, first responders, and community members who acted to protect others in the face of terror. In this moment of profound grief, we lift our hearts in prayer for the souls of the departed, for the healing of the injured, and for comfort and strength for the families and friends who mourn. Canadians from every province and territory stand united in grief, solidarity, and faith, trusting in God’s mercy even amidst incomprehensible loss.

From the Desk: We condemn this atrocity in the strongest possible terms. The deliberate targeting of a school community, beginning with the cold-blooded murder of family members before on students, represents the utmost cruelty and depravity. We mourn alongside the families who lost loved ones and the community that now bears a wound. It is with deep respect and sorrow that we remember those whose lives were tragically taken:

  • Abel Mwansa Jr., age 12

  • Ezekiel Schofield, age 13

  • Kylie May Smith, age 12

  • Zoey Benoit, age 12

  • Ticaria “Tiki” Lampert, age 12

  • Shannda Aviugana‑Durand, age 39, an educational assistant at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School

  • Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang), age 39, a mother and community member

  • Emmett Jacobs, age 11

These names represent sons, daughters, friends, neighbours, and educators: vibrant lives of promise, whose absence is keenly felt in every corner of their community.

We honour the courage of those who responded without hesitation to protect others, especially the staff, first responders, and any citizens who showed selfless bravery in the face of terror. We also hold in prayer the injured, and those who will carry the emotional scars of this tragedy forward.

May God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort to the grieving, and healing to the wounded.

May justice be pursued through the ongoing investigation, and may the memory of those lost inspire greater unity across Canada. We stand in solidarity with all affected by this heartbreaking event.

Keep Reading