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National leaders join mourning in British Columbia town
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other federal officials attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge on Friday to honor eight victims of this week's mass shooting, including six children. The small northern community remains in shock after the attack at a local secondary school.
Political divisions set aside for solidarity
Carney, joined by Governor-General Mary Simon and opposition leaders, canceled international travel to visit the town. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who flew with Carney, emphasized unity in his remarks: "Today, there are no Conservatives, Liberals, or New Democrats-just Canadians standing together."
Before the vigil, leaders met with victims' families and first responders, laying flowers at a growing memorial near Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Residents, many visibly distraught, described the overwhelming media presence as intrusive to their tight-knit community.
Suspect's motives and weapons under scrutiny
Police identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died by suicide at the school. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated the attack appeared random, with the suspect "hunting" indiscriminately. Four firearms were seized-two from Van Rootselaar's home and two from the school.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed the suspect's expired firearms license (2024) and his mother's valid license, though no guns were registered under her name. Authorities are investigating how Van Rootselaar obtained the weapons, including one unregistered firearm linked to the "most significant damage."
A 2021 Facebook post by Van Rootselaar's mother, Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang), revealed the teen's interest in guns. Police noted the suspect had a history of mental health struggles and prior psychiatric evaluations.
Victims remembered as community grapples with grief
The attack claimed nine lives, including the shooter. Among the victims were five children and a teacher at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School: 12-year-olds Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, and 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield, along with educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39).
"She was resilient, vibrant, and the strongest little girl you could meet,"
Family statement on Zoey Benoit
The suspect's mother and 11-year-old stepbrother were also killed at their home. Ticaria Lampert's mother, Sarah, called her daughter a "tiki torch"-"a blazing light in the darkness."
Investigation ongoing as town seeks healing
The RCMP continues its probe, with the school closed indefinitely. McDonald expressed hope for a swift resolution, acknowledging the community's need to "heal." Residents like Colaina Hall, who drove two hours from Fort St. John, echoed the disbelief: "I never thought this would happen here."
