Mike James

USA TODAY

A gunman killed four people in the remote northern Saskatchewan community of La Loche, including at least two at a high school, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday.

At least two others were also shot and their condition is critical, according to Trudeau. The Associated Press reported that the gunman shot his 2 brothers at home before opening fire at the nearby high school.

"Obviously this is every parent's worst nightmare," Trudeau said from Davos, Switzerland.

He added that police have the suspect and there is no longer a threat to the community.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday identified the four victims as Marie Janvier, 21, Adam Wood, and brothers Dayne and Drayden Fontaine.

"I feel like I'm in a nightmare and I want to wake up," Diane Janvier, Marie's aunt, told CBC News.

In a statement issued Saturday morning and reported by CBC News, Adam Wood's family said they were "devastated" by the news of his death.

"Adam had just begun his teaching career in La Loche last September and was enjoying his time. Adam was quite an adventurer, had a passion for life, and would often make you laugh until your stomach hurt. He was always up for a good challenge and lived each day joyously," the statement said.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the other victims, the community of La Loche and everyone who is affected by this tragedy."

Trudeau called it a "terrible day" but said quick action by first responders may have prevented other deaths.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed they are investigating a “serious incident.” According to eyewitnesses who spoke with CBC News in Saskatchewan, a shooter approached the community school and shots were fired outside and inside the building sometime after the noon hour.

La Loche is a remote town about 370 miles north of Saskatoon. It is near the border with Alberta.

"We have no idea what happened and how it happened and why it happened," Kevin Janvier, acting deputy mayor of La Loche, told CBC. "It's something we should never hear of happening and it's happened today."

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall posted a statement on Facebook about “horrific events.”

"Words cannot express my shock and sorrow at the horrific events today in La Loche," Wall said. "My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, their families and friends and all the people of the community."

Wall said Saskatchewan Education and Social Services will be available to provide crisis support and counselling services to the school and the community.

"I ran outside the school," Noel Desjarlais, a Grade 10 student at the school, told CBC News. "There was lots of screaming. There was about six, seven shots before I got outside. I believe there was more shots by the time I did get out."

"Myself I'm fine," he said. "I ended up running and telling people get out the doors."

Bobby Cameron, chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, said in a statement that the community is reeling from the killings.

"We are in shock and in disbelief upon hearing about the tragedy in La Loche," "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, the children, the students and the entire community of La Loche in the wake of today's horrible incident."