Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia: An 18-year-old has been identified as the suspect responsible for a tragic shooting that claimed eight lives and injured dozens at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead at the scene due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting began at a nearby home, where the suspect’s mother, 39, and step-brother, 11, were also found dead. The suspect then reportedly moved on to the school, where six people were killed and at least 25 others wounded.
Police noted that Van Rootselaar, who was born a male but identified as a woman, had previously held a valid gun license, which had expired. The individual had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years ago.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated, “Jesse was born as a biological male who began transitioning to female approximately six years ago.” Investigators indicated that they had previously responded to the suspect’s family home multiple times over the years, including calls related to mental health concerns.
Among the victims at the school were a 39-year-old female educator, three female students aged 12, and two male students aged 12 and 13. Police do not believe there are other suspects involved.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, police received reports of an active shooter at the school. Officers arrived within two minutes, heard gunfire, and swiftly entered the building, locating the suspect deceased shortly thereafter. Two firearms—a long gun and a modified handgun—were recovered from the scene, though their exact roles in the incident are still under investigation.
Two victims were airlifted to hospital and remain in critical condition.
Tumbler Ridge, a small community with around 2,400 residents and a school with 160 students, is reeling from the tragedy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the violence, stating that students and staff “bore witness to unheard of cruelty,” with some victims still fighting for their lives.
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka expressed deep community ties, saying, “I will know every victim. I’ve been here 19 years, and we are a small community. I don’t call them residents—I call them family.”