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Eight killed in Tumbler Ridge school shooting
An 18-year-old identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar died by suicide after fatally shooting eight people and injuring at least 25 others in a small British Columbia community on Tuesday, authorities confirmed.
Timeline of the attack
Police reported that the violence began at a nearby residence, where Van Rootselaar killed a 39-year-old woman-later identified as the suspect's mother-and an 11-year-old stepbrother. The attacker then proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six more victims lost their lives.
Officers arrived at the school within two minutes of the initial 911 call at 1:30 p.m. local time (20:30 GMT) and encountered active gunfire. They located the suspect deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after entering the building.
Victims and community response
The school victims included a 39-year-old female educator and five students-three 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old boy. Two additional victims were airlifted to hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Hundreds gathered for vigils in Tumbler Ridge's main square and outside the British Columbia legislature in Vancouver on Wednesday evening. Attendees shared moments of silence, while photographs of the victims were placed near a memorial tree.
"Schools should be safe," said Gigi Rejano, a vigil participant, as others wept nearby.
AFP news agency
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka, visibly emotional, urged the community to support one another. "Lend your ear when someone needs your ear. Lend your shoulder when someone needs your shoulder. Give somebody a hug," he said.
Suspect's background and possible motives
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that Van Rootselaar was born biologically male but had identified as female for approximately six years. The suspect had previously held a gun license, which had since expired, and had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years prior.
Police confirmed they had responded to multiple calls at the suspect's family home over the years, some involving mental health concerns. Authorities are now reviewing interactions between Van Rootselaar and the public healthcare system.
British Columbia Premier David Eby acknowledged the suspect's history with law enforcement, stating, "We've begun the process of reaching out to the public health care system to understand what interactions may have taken place."
Investigation and firearms recovered
Police recovered two firearms at the scene-a long gun and a modified handgun-but have not yet determined their specific roles in the attack. Authorities confirmed no additional suspects are being sought.
Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the violence, calling it an act of "unheard-of cruelty." He noted that some victims remain hospitalized, "fighting for their lives."
Community in mourning
Tumbler Ridge, a town of roughly 2,400 residents, is described by its mayor as a "one big family." The secondary school serves 160 students in grades 7 through 12.
Legislature Speaker Raj Chouhan, addressing a Vancouver vigil, said, "We can only pray together, hold hands together, and send our love to all those people."
