Roblox Removes Account of Canada School Shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar

The eighteen-year-old suspect in the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, created a virtual shooting simulator on the gaming platform Roblox prior to the attack that left nine people dead, including himself. Jesse Van Rootselaar, identified by authorities as the perpetrator, allegedly designed the “experience” – a virtual shopping mall where users could simulate shooting other players.

The revelation comes as investigators piece together a disturbing digital footprint left by Van Rootselaar, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the school on February 10, 2026. Roblox confirmed on February 11, 2026, that the account associated with the suspect and all related content had been removed. “We have removed the user account connected to this horrifying incident as well as any content associated with the suspect,” a Roblox spokesperson stated. The company added that the simulator had only received seven visits from other users before its removal, as it was accessible only through Roblox Studio, a separate app used by developers.

The game was initially discovered by users on the online forum Kiwi Farms, known for its controversial and often problematic content, before being brought to the attention of law enforcement and Roblox. Videos of the simulation circulated online prior to the platform’s intervention. The simulator allowed users, represented by Roblox-style avatars, to pick up weapons and shoot other players within the virtual mall setting.

The unfolding investigation has also revealed complexities surrounding the suspect’s identity and online activity. Initial reports from police described the shooter as a “gunperson in a dress” and an “18-year-old female.” It was only after repeated questioning from reporters that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) acknowledged that “Jesse was born as a biological male.”

Beyond the Roblox simulator, evidence suggests Van Rootselaar was active on other online platforms. Investigators have reportedly found evidence of his presence on the graphic website WatchPeopleDie, a forum known for sharing images of violent death and glorifying mass shooters, according to analysis by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Center on Extremism. An account linked to Van Rootselaar allegedly commented on compilation videos of prior mass shootings, stating, “I love these first person perspective type videos, when the shooter records his or her own actions it’s always heat.”

Further examination of Van Rootselaar’s online activity revealed posts on Reddit detailing struggles with suicidal thoughts, his gender transition, and mental health issues. In a February 2023 post, he described starting a fire at home while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms and mentioned recent hospitalizations for psychiatric care and a diagnosis of being on the autism spectrum.

Authorities had been called to the family’s home on numerous occasions for mental health-related concerns. Van Rootselaar had previously held a minor’s firearms license, which expired in 2024. The attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School represents one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history, surpassed only by the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal.

The incident has prompted renewed debate about access to firearms, mental health support, and the role of online platforms in potentially radicalizing individuals. The fact that Van Rootselaar was able to create and share a violent simulation on Roblox raises questions about the platform’s content moderation policies and its ability to identify and prevent potentially harmful content. Roblox stated it uses a combination of artificial intelligence and a team of safety specialists to review content before It’s shown to other users.

The tragedy in Tumbler Ridge underscores the growing challenge of understanding and addressing the complex factors that contribute to mass violence, particularly in the context of online radicalization and mental health crises. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to analyze Van Rootselaar’s digital footprint to gain a deeper understanding of his motives and the events leading up to the shooting.

The victims of the shooting have been identified as five students, a teacher, and two family members of the suspect. The community of Tumbler Ridge, a small town in northeastern British Columbia, is grappling with profound grief and shock in the wake of the tragedy.