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Nine people were killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on Tuesday, Canadian authorities confirmed. The suspected shooter, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted injury.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to reports of an active shooter at the school at 1:20 p.m. local time. Officers discovered six victims fatally shot inside the school, including a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13.
During the investigation, police discovered a second crime scene at a residence where two additional victims—the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother—were found dead. This brings the total death toll to nine, including the suspect, after initial reports had suggested ten fatalities.
RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander, addressed the media: “This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response.”
Authorities confirmed that two additional victims were airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries, while approximately 25 others with non-life-threatening injuries were taken to a local medical center for assessment. All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated, and police have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
According to the RCMP, Van Rootselaar had attended the school before dropping out approximately four years ago. Born male but identifying as female, the suspect had begun transitioning six years ago. Police revealed that Van Rootselaar had a history of mental health-related interactions with law enforcement, with officers having visited the residence multiple times in recent years.
During these previous incidents, weapons had been temporarily seized under the Criminal Code but were later returned following a petition by their lawful owner. Neither of the two firearms recovered at the scene—a long gun and a modified handgun—were registered to Van Rootselaar. The suspect previously held a firearms license, but it had expired in 2024.
The shooting has stunned the small community of Tumbler Ridge, located in northeastern British Columbia, approximately 120 kilometers south of Dawson Creek. The region, primarily known for its coal mining and natural gas industries, has a population of just over 2,000 residents.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences in a statement posted on social media: “My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today.”
The Peace River South School District had initially posted a message confirming a lockdown at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Tumbler Ridge Elementary schools. Larry Neufeld, who represents Peace River South in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, left Victoria immediately to return to the community.
“Public safety is the absolute priority. I urge everyone in the area to follow RCMP instructions, remain sheltered, and rely only on official updates,” Neufeld stated on social media.
This tragedy represents one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history. Gun violence of this magnitude is relatively rare in Canada, which has stricter gun control laws compared to the neighboring United States. The incident is likely to reignite debates around mental health resources, firearm access, and school security measures throughout the country.
The RCMP has indicated that the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to understand the full circumstances surrounding the attack. Community support services have been mobilized to assist students, families, and staff members affected by the tragedy.
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14 Comments
My condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. This is a heartbreaking incident that highlights the need for comprehensive mental health support and violence prevention programs in our schools and communities.
Well said. We must address the root causes of such violence and work together to create safer and more nurturing environments for our children.
This is a tragic loss of young lives. I hope the investigation provides clarity on what drove the suspect to commit this horrific act, so we can work to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Agreed. Our focus should be on supporting the community, understanding the underlying issues, and implementing effective measures to promote school safety and student well-being.
It’s deeply disturbing to hear about this school shooting in Canada. My condolences to all those affected. I hope the authorities can determine what prompted this attack and take appropriate measures to address any underlying issues.
This is a tragic loss of life. I sincerely hope the community can find ways to heal and move forward in a spirit of unity and resilience.
This is a truly heartbreaking event. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. I hope the investigation can shed light on the circumstances and lead to meaningful changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Absolutely. We must do everything in our power to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, and to address the underlying issues that contribute to such acts of violence.
Terrible news. School shootings are always devastating, no matter where they occur. I hope the investigation provides answers and that the community can find ways to support one another during this difficult time.
Absolutely. The priority now should be on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff at the school.
My heart goes out to the Tumbler Ridge community. School shootings are always devastating, and this incident is no exception. I hope the authorities can determine the motive and take steps to improve security and address any systemic problems.
Well said. In the aftermath of such a tragedy, it’s crucial that we come together as a society to find ways to better protect our children and create safer environments for them to learn and grow.
This is a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. We need to understand what led to this senseless violence and take steps to prevent such horrific events in the future.
Agreed. The safety and well-being of students should be the top priority. I hope the investigation provides clarity on the circumstances and motives behind this attack.