Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia – A mass shooting in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge has left at least eight people dead and dozens injured, prompting a wave of grief and a national conversation about safety and mental health. Authorities have identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old former student of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
The attacks unfolded on , beginning at a residence in Tumbler Ridge before continuing at the secondary school. Six victims were found deceased at the school, while two others – relatives of the suspect – were discovered at the home. The death toll was initially reported higher but was revised downwards after one individual previously thought to have succumbed to their injuries survived, according to police statements.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that Van Rootselaar, who had dropped out of school approximately four years ago, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school. He also revealed that Van Rootselaar “was not currently attending school.”
The RCMP had been aware of Van Rootselaar’s mental health struggles for several years, with officers visiting the family home on multiple occasions. Deputy Commissioner McDonald stated that Van Rootselaar had been taken into custody for mental health assessments on more than one occasion. Notably, firearms were seized from the residence two years prior, but were later returned to the lawful owner after a petition for their return was granted. It remains unclear whether the two firearms recovered at the school – a long gun and a modified handgun – were the same weapons previously confiscated.
The initial alert regarding the active shooter described the perpetrator as a “female in a dress.” This description was later amended by the police superintendent, who referred to the shooter as a “gunperson” during a press briefing. McDonald clarified that Van Rootselaar “was born a biological male… who approximately six years ago began to transition to female, and identified as female.”
When questioned about a potential connection between Van Rootselaar’s gender identity and the shooting, Deputy Commissioner McDonald stated it was “too early to say.” This cautious response reflects the sensitivity surrounding the investigation and the need to avoid premature conclusions.
The scale of the tragedy has deeply impacted Tumbler Ridge, a small town with a population of approximately 2,400. More than 100 students and faculty were evacuated from the school once authorities deemed it safe. Approximately 25 individuals were treated for potential injuries, with two victims airlifted to hospital for more specialized care.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement expressing the nation’s sorrow, saying that the country “mourns with” the community of Tumbler Ridge. The incident has reignited the debate over gun control in Canada, a country generally considered to have stricter firearms regulations than the United States. Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada, making this event particularly shocking.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the precise sequence of events and the motive behind the attacks. Police are also attempting to trace the origin of the firearms used in the shooting and their connection to the previously seized weapons. The RCMP has not released the names of the victims, citing the need to notify families and respect their privacy.
The tragedy in Tumbler Ridge underscores the complex challenges surrounding mental health, access to firearms, and the potential for violence. It also highlights the vulnerability of small communities to such devastating events. As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on supporting the affected families and ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.
The incident is likely to prompt a renewed examination of mental health services in rural communities and the procedures for returning firearms to individuals after they have been temporarily seized. The RCMP’s previous interactions with Van Rootselaar will undoubtedly be scrutinized as part of the investigation, raising questions about whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.
The broader implications of this event extend beyond Canada’s borders, serving as a stark reminder of the global threat posed by gun violence and the importance of addressing the underlying factors that contribute to it. The international community will be watching closely as Canada grapples with the aftermath of this horrific attack and seeks to prevent future tragedies.
