The remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is confronting unimaginable tragedy after an 18-year-old female suspect, identified by authorities as Jesse Van Rootselaar, perpetrated one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings. According to Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, the assailant first killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at their family residence before proceeding to her former school, where she opened fire on students and staff.
The attack, which occurred Tuesday in the close-knit mining town of approximately 2,400 residents, resulted in nine fatalities including the perpetrator, who died by suicide. Police revised the initial death toll of ten after further investigation. Among the victims were a 39-year-old teacher, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. Dozens sustained injuries, with two critically wounded victims—ages 12 and 19—remaining hospitalized.
Authorities revealed Van Rootselaar had extensive documented mental health struggles, having been apprehended multiple times under provincial mental health legislation for assessment. Police had previously visited the family residence numerous times over recent years addressing mental health concerns related to the suspect. Notably, firearms had been seized from the home approximately two years prior but were returned after the owner successfully appealed the decision.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through Canada, where such incidents remain exceptionally rare compared to the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney, visibly emotional during press statements, postponed international travel and ordered flags flown at half-mast for seven days. ‘We will get through this. We will learn from this,’ Carney assured the nation, while Parliament observed a moment of silence for the victims.
As details emerge, grieving families have begun sharing heartbreaking tributes. Abel Mwansa memorialized his 12-year-old son who ‘loved going to school so much,’ while Shanon Dycke confirmed her 12-year-old niece, Kylie May Smith, was among those killed. The tragedy ranks among Canada’s deadliest shooting incidents, comparable to the 2020 Nova Scotia attacks that claimed 22 lives and the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre that killed 14 women.