The remote town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is grappling with profound grief following a devastating school shooting that resulted in nine fatalities, including the 18-year-old perpetrator. The incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday represents Canada’s deadliest school shooting in over three decades, sending shockwaves through the nation.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the shooter has been identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident who identified as female both socially and publicly. The investigation revealed Van Rootselaar was found deceased inside the school with an apparently self-inflicted injury, alongside two recovered firearms—a long gun and a modified handgun.
The victims include a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. In a tragic development, police subsequently discovered two additional victims at a residential location—identified as the shooter’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother.
The violence left twenty-seven individuals injured, with two female victims aged 12 and 19 requiring airlift transportation to hospital and remaining in serious condition. Authorities noted that after medical evaluation, no discernible physical injuries were identified among others transported to local medical facilities.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the rapid evolution of the crisis, with Superintendent Ken Floyd acknowledging the critical cooperation from school officials, first responders, and the community. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed investigators believe the suspect acted alone and are working to determine the motive behind the attack.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed devastation over the tragedy, extending prayers and deepest condolences to affected families while affirming the federal government’s support for British Columbians confronting this horrific event.