Abbottsford, B.C.-  The community of Abbotsford  is trying to recover  from  a stabbing  at Abbotsford Senior Secondary early Tuesday afternoon that  claimed the life of one female  student and  has left another in stable condition.

The School District  says the male suspect , who walked into the school  shortly after 2 yesterday afternoon and  attacked his  two  victims,  was in no way connected with the  school and the selection  of victims appears to have be  random.   The suspect  stopped the attack  when  staff started  yelling at him, staff then subdued him.

The suspect is in custody,  and  Abbotsford Senior Secondary School remains closed.  A decision on when classes will resume could  be made   by the end of today.

In the meantime,  support and counselling are being offered to  students and staff.

The motive for the attack is not yet known .

Premier  Christy Clark    says she is “Shaken and shocked”  by  what happened in  the  school.   She offered  condolences to the  families,  students and staff immediately after  becoming aware of the  tragedy and has issued the following statement this morning:

“I was shocked to hear about the tragic attack at Abbotsford Senior Secondary school. Schools are supposed to be – and must be – places where parents know their kids are safe. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that.

“I hope the investigation concludes swiftly, so we can take whatever action is required to make sure a tragedy like this never happens in British Columbia again. Until we have those answers, I want to commend the heroism of the staff and fellow students who came to the victims’ aid and subdued the suspect. Your bravery is an example for us all.
“I cannot imagine the heartbreak of everyone involved. My thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, and everyone at Abbotsford Senior Secondary.”

Premier Clark  says  the province  will do “Everything we can, to  respond to what has happened here”  she says the Province will wait to see what the  police report  produces and then use that report as a guide to move forward.

“One of things we do know is that all of the emergency planning we do at schools had an impact on this case because people stepped in to stop what was going on.”  She says  if there is more that can be done,  it will be done.