Threats of violence online and in community cancels Saturday celebration of life of Tumbler Ridge shooting victim
Posted For: DocYak
Police in Tumbler Ridge are investigating threats of possible future violence that led to the cancellation of a Saturday celebration of life for 12-year-old Kylie Smith, one of the victims in the Feb. 10 shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
The RCMP confirmed they are aware of threats circulating both online and within the community.
“We can confirm that an investigation is underway,” said B.C. RCMP media relations officer Kris Clark in a statement Saturday. “A safety plan is in place for the affected individual(s) and the community as the investigation continues.”
Community members Lance Younge and Jenny Geary shared an update—later posted by the Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce—saying they had been moved to a safe location and that their home was being protected.
“From what we are hearing, we are at least the third family of the deceased to be harassed or threatened by people from their past since this awful tragedy took place,” they said.
Police added they remain in close contact with local officials and community leaders as the investigation continues.
“RCMP officers in the community have connected with the mayor and community leaders to ensure ongoing communication and public safety planning,” Clark said.
According to reporting by CityNews Vancouver, a relative of Kylie Smith said the threat came from someone known to the family. The celebration of life had been planned as a private gathering for family, residents, and community members.
When police publicly released the victims’ names on Feb. 12, Kylie’s family described her as “the light in our family” who loved her friends, school, and art. They said she dreamed of attending art school in Toronto.
“Rest in paradise, sweet girl,” the family said. “Our lives will never be the same without you.”
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