In a powerful display of national solidarity, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined hundreds of mourners at a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, to honor the eight victims of this week’s devastating mass shooting. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Governor-General Mary Simon and federal leaders from across the political spectrum, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who emphasized that partisan divisions had been set aside in the face of tragedy.
The emotional gathering brought together grieving families, local residents, and visitors from neighboring communities, all united in their shock and sorrow. Colaina Hall, who traveled two hours from Fort St John, expressed the collective disbelief: ‘I never thought that it would happen here. In our little northern communities, we’re pretty tight-knit, we take care of one another.’
RCMP investigators revealed disturbing new details about the attack, identifying the perpetrator as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald described the suspect as ‘hunting’ victims rather than targeting specific individuals, with four firearms recovered from the school and the suspect’s residence.
The tragedy claimed the lives of six students aged 12-13 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School: Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, and Ezekiel Schofield, along with 39-year-old teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand. Two additional victims—the suspect’s mother Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang) and 11-year-old stepbrother Emmett Jacobs—were killed at a separate location.
Families shared heartfelt tributes to their lost loved ones, with Benoit’s family remembering her as ‘resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet.’ Ticaria Lampert’s mother described her daughter as ‘a blazing light in the darkness’ who would have turned 13 in two months.
Authorities confirmed the suspect had a history of mental health struggles and a recently expired firearm license. While the suspect’s mother held an active gun license, no firearms were registered to her name. Police are investigating how the weapons were obtained, particularly the primary firearm used in the school attack, whose origin remains unknown. The investigation continues as the community begins its long journey toward healing.