Days after the horrific mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, the B.C. premier says stories of heroism are emerging in the community.
David Eby said he heard some of the accounts during his visit to Tumbler Ridge on Wednesday, including of first responders doing their work “under gunfire, to look after kids.”
“There were stories of students protecting other students, there were stories of teachers pulling the injured out of the hall to perform CPR,” Eby said Thursday, which was declared a day of mourning for the tragedy.
He declined to provide more detail, however, saying the full accounts should come from the mouths of community members.
“I was incredibly honoured in the trust that people placed in me when I was up there,” he said.
“I hope that the people of Tumbler Ridge are able to share their stories directly because they are deeply moving and they are deeply inspiring about the nature of humanity.”
Eby’s remarks came after Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia’s speech from the throne, which focused on this week’s tragedy rather than offering a preview of the government’s agenda.
After the speech, MLAs from all parties stood behind Eby outside the legislature in a show of solidarity for Tumbler Ridge residents.
“Everybody from all parties understood why we could not go ahead with the throne speech today, why we couldn’t go on with business as normal—because this is not a normal day for British Columbia or for Canada,” the premier said.
Eby also shared more about his visit to the small northern community, where he visited a memorial for the victims of Tuesday’s shooting and attended a vigil with devastated residents.
“I have a hard time getting rid of the image of a hockey card that was part of that memorial,” he said while choking back tears.
Eby recalled introducing himself to a man who was too overcome with emotion to speak.
“These kids were 11 to 13 years old, just babies,” Eby said. “I think we’re all struggling for words right now, which is why these gestures are important.”