Canada School Shooting: PM Visits Tumbler Ridge After ‘Hunting’ Attack

Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is in mourning after a mass shooting on February 10, 2026, left nine people dead, including the perpetrator. The 18-year-old shooter, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed her mother and stepbrother at their home before opening fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she ultimately took her own life.

Authorities have stated that Van Rootselaar appeared to be acting without specific targets, described by RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald as “hunting” for victims. “They were prepared and engaging anybody and everybody they could come into contact with,” he said. Five students and one education assistant were killed at the school, in addition to the two family members murdered at the home.

The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and a show of national unity. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney travelled to the remote mining town, located 1,180 kilometers north of Vancouver, accompanied by leaders from all opposition parties. He is expected to lead a vigil for the victims outside the town hall, a building constructed 45 years ago.

Details emerging in the days following the shooting paint a picture of a young person with a troubled past. The RCMP confirmed that Van Rootselaar had known mental health issues. A photograph released by the police shows her wearing a hoodie with an expressionless face. Police had been called to the family home regarding mental health and weapons concerns in the two years prior to the shooting, though the specifics of those calls remain under investigation.

The shooter’s estranged father, Justin Van Rootselaar, issued a statement through the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), expressing his sorrow. “As the biological father of the individual responsible, I carry a sorrow that is difficult to put into words,” the statement read.

The community of Tumbler Ridge, a small town with a population of 2,399 according to the 2021 census, is struggling to come to terms with the scale of the violence. Residents have expressed weariness at the influx of media attention, with a sign posted at the community centre requesting media to stay away. Despite the tragedy, signs of life are returning to the town, with children playing hockey and practicing skating at the local ice rink.

The victims are being remembered by their families and friends. Sarah Lampert, the mother of 12-year-old Tacaria, addressed the media, describing her daughter as having “a beautiful, strong voice that was silenced.” Zoey Benoit, also 12, was remembered as “resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet” by her family. Peter Schofield mourned the loss of his 13-year-old grandson, Ezekial, stating, “Everything feels so surreal. The tears just keep flowing.”

Prime Minister Carney addressed parliament following the shootings, describing the victims as having “bore witness to unheard-of cruelty.” He characterized Tumbler Ridge as a community of miners, teachers, and construction workers who embody “the very best of Canada: resilient, compassionate and strong.” Carney cancelled a planned trip to the Munich Security Conference to address the crisis domestically.

The incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in Canada since the 2020 Nova Scotia attacks and the deadliest school shooting since the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre. With a total of 36 casualties, including the perpetrator, We see the highest casualty mass shooting event in Canadian history. The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, including the relationship between Van Rootselaar and her family members, is ongoing.

The shooting has also reignited debate surrounding access to firearms in Canada. Questions are being raised about why firearms seized in previous police calls were returned to the home of the shooter, prompting scrutiny of Canada’s “Red Flag” laws.