We are heartbroken and deeply upset by the recent shooting in Tumbler Ridge. This tragedy has taken children, shattered families, and left an entire community grieving in ways that words can never fully capture. Our hearts are with the families who have lost their loved ones, with the children and community members who have been harmed, and with everyone now navigating the unimaginable weight of this loss. No family should ever have to endure such pain, and we grieve alongside you.
The focus in this moment must remain on supporting the communities, families, and children impacted by this tragedy. Everyone deserves to live free from the fear of violence, and we stand with all those who are hurting as they begin the long process of healing.
We also recognize that this tragedy involves a young person who had experienced significant mental health challenges. While mentalhealth struggles never excuse violence, it is important to speak about them responsibly. Stigmatizing mental illness only makes it harder for people — especially youth — to seek help when they need it. Compassionate, accessible mentalhealth support is essential for every community, and moments like this remind us of the importance of strengthening those supports rather than deepening shame or blame.
At the same time, we are aware that in moments of profound grief, harmful narratives can take hold. It is causes further harm when people are attempting to exploit this tragedy to encourage fear and hatred toward the trans community. Scapegoating an entire group for the actions of one individual is dangerous — it fuels stigma, increases the risk of further violence, and deepens division at a time when unity and compassion are most needed.
As Pride organizers, we unequivocally condemn this act of violence. It has no place in our towns, our province, or our country. We also reject attempts to use this tragedy to spread misinformation or hostility toward trans and gender diverse people.
We recognize that the rise in hateful rhetoric following this tragedy can cause deep anxiety within our communities. To every trans and genderdiverse person who may be feeling fear, isolation, or uncertainty right now: please know that you are not alone. Your lives are valuable. Your identities are valid. You belong.
In the face of grief, we choose compassion. In the face of violence, we choose accountability. And in the face of division, we choose solidarity, care, and a continued commitment to justice and safety for all. We urge everyone to come together in support of those directly impacted and to stand firmly against hatred in all its forms.
The Victoria Pride Society acknowledges that it organizes and works on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen Peoples and that the land’s relationships with the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples have existed since time immemorial. Further to this acknowledgement, the Victoria Pride Society affirms that colonialism and the attitudes and practices that have accompanied it contribute to systemic discrimination and violence against Indigenous Peoples and all marginalized and equity-deserving people. Read more.
