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Trans Advocates Condemn Misinformation Following Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
As residents across British Columbia and Canada struggle to process the tragedy that unfolded in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Tuesday, organizations supporting transgender and gender-diverse individuals are raising concerns about the spread of harmful misinformation in the aftermath of the shooting.
“I categorically condemn what’s happened,” said Amelia Newbert, founder of Skipping Stone, an organization that works with trans and gender-diverse people across Canada. “We have eight people who are dead, we have families who are shattered. And that condemnation of the shooter and the tragedy is absolute and unconditional. But it doesn’t require me or any of us to condemn an entire community of people who are overwhelmingly more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.”
The RCMP has identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse VanRootselaar. BC RCMP commanding officer Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated earlier this week that, according to information available to police, VanRootselaar “was born as a biological male, who, approximately six years ago, began to transition to female and identified as female both socially and publicly.”
Authorities have emphasized there is currently no evidence suggesting VanRootselaar’s gender identity is linked to the crime.
Christopher Longtin with Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Canada noted, “There’s fear around different identities. What we know is that people don’t do these things because of their individual identity.”
Newbert stressed that the focus should remain on supporting the Tumbler Ridge community through collective grief rather than exploiting the tragedy to advance political agendas. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing individuals online and in the media, and even politicians, using this moment and using the grief of a country and of a world as ammunition for pursuing their hateful ideologies,” she said. “And I just think that’s unconscionable right now.”
During a press conference in Tumbler Ridge on Friday, McDonald addressed the spread of misinformation online, noting that some coverage and social media posts have wrongly included images of an unrelated person with a similar name. “We would like to advise that an individual in Ontario, with a similar name to the person associated with our incident, has been wrongly accused of being responsible. Zylee — this did not need to happen. We know you are not involved,” McDonald said.
BC Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender also released a statement on Thursday calling the events in Tumbler Ridge “devastating beyond words.” She expressed disappointment about “the anti-trans disinformation and the hateful narratives that are being spread,” adding that “mis and disinformation amplify hateful beliefs, which can result in discrimination and violence towards trans people who already face extremely high levels of discrimination and harassment.”
Newbert pointed out that what’s occurring in some online spaces represents coordinated attacks rather than genuine concern. “That’s not organic concern growing,” she said. “That’s coordinated attacks, and the fact that I’m here and we’re having to have this conversation as opposed to focusing on the family and focusing on grief and healing — that’s not just wrong, it’s actually exactly what the families of this tragedy have asked us not to do.”
She acknowledged it’s human nature to search for explanations when devastating events occur. “For folks who don’t know trans people, maybe that othering is a place where our fear can grow,” Newbert explained. “But when anything happens, really reducing the truth down to one aspect of somebody’s identity — whether it’s their gender, their race, their religion, or anything else — when we do that and we’re pulling one aspect out of context, that’s not about seeking truth. That’s about seeking scapegoating.”
As the community and country continue to grapple with this tragedy, advocates are calling for the focus to remain on supporting those directly affected rather than using the event to vilify an entire community that is already vulnerable to discrimination and violence.
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19 Comments
I’m saddened to hear about this terrible event in Tumbler Ridge. My heart goes out to all those affected. The caution from Trans Advocates against misinformation is well-advised – we should focus on facts and avoid speculating or stoking divisions.
This is a tragic situation all around. I hope the authorities can uncover the full facts and motives behind this horrific act. In the meantime, we should resist the urge to speculate or spread unverified claims.
This is a tragic and complex situation. We should be careful not to jump to conclusions or spread misinformation, and instead focus on supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Absolutely, it’s important to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow the investigation to unfold. Compassion and facts should guide the response.
Tragic events like this underscore the importance of addressing underlying societal issues that contribute to violence. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this, and that the community can find ways to heal and move forward.
The spread of misinformation can exacerbate tensions and divert attention from the real issues at hand. I hope the investigation can provide clarity, and that the community comes together to support the victims and their families.
The Trans community has historically faced high rates of violence. Condemning the shooter is warranted, but scapegoating the entire community is counterproductive and harmful. We need to address the root causes of this type of violence.
Well said. Targeting vulnerable groups often stems from fear and misunderstanding. A thoughtful, evidence-based approach is needed to create positive change.
This is a heartbreaking situation. I agree we should avoid assumptions and allow the facts to emerge, while also recognizing the unique vulnerabilities the Trans community faces. Nuance and care are required in our response.
My heart goes out to the Tumbler Ridge community during this difficult time. The Trans Advocates’ warning against misinformation is wise – we should focus on facts, empathy and allowing the investigation to proceed.
Absolutely. Speculating or making unsubstantiated claims could do more harm than good. A measured, compassionate response is called for here.
This is a tragic and heartbreaking incident. My deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. It’s important to avoid spreading unverified information and to let the authorities conduct a thorough investigation.
I agree, we should wait for the facts to emerge before drawing any conclusions. Speculating or making assumptions could do more harm than good at this point.
The Trans Advocates’ stance against misinformation is commendable. In the wake of such a tragic event, we must be vigilant about verifying facts and avoiding rhetoric that could further divide the community.
The Trans Advocates’ call for restraint and against misinformation is prudent. In times of tragedy, it’s crucial to show empathy and let the investigation unfold before rushing to judgment.
Absolutely. Spreading unverified claims or stereotypes could further marginalize vulnerable communities. A measured, fact-based approach is the best way forward.
Tragic loss of life. I appreciate the Trans organization’s call for restraint and focus on facts, rather than fueling further division. In times like these, compassion and unity are what’s most needed.
This is a horrific tragedy, and my sympathies are with the victims and their loved ones. The call from Trans Advocates to avoid misinformation is important – we need to let the investigation run its course and not jump to conclusions.
Agreed. Spreading unverified claims or biases could make a terrible situation even worse. Patience and compassion should be the priorities at this time.