Tumbler Ridge School Shooting: Police Identify Suspect in Deadly Canada Attack — Full Rep

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Overview of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting

A mass shooting shook the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, on February 10, 2026, when an attacker opened fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident.

The tragic event has left the tight-knit community and the nation mourning. It is among the deadliest school shootings in Canada in recent decades and has raised urgent questions about public safety, mental health support, and firearm regulation.



How the Events Unfolded

Timeline of the Attack

On Tuesday afternoon, police first responded to reports of gunfire at a residence in Tumbler Ridge. Officers soon discovered that two people — the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and an 11-year-old stepbrother — had been fatally shot there.

Shortly afterward, the suspect traveled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she began firing inside the building. Students and staff were attending classes when the shooting began.

Police received the emergency call and arrived at the school within minutes of the first reports. As officers approached, they encountered active gunfire and proceeded inside to contain the threat.



Number of Victims

Authorities have confirmed nine fatalities, including the attacker.

The deaths included:

A 39-year-old female educator found at the school.

Five students, ages 12 to 13, located primarily in the school library and stairwell.

The suspect’s mother and stepbrother found at their home near the school.

The suspect, who died from a self-inflicted wound inside the school.


In addition to these deaths, more than 25 people were injured, with at least two individuals in serious condition and receiving hospital care.


Who Was the Suspect?

Police have publicly identified the suspected shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a resident of Tumbler Ridge.

According to RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, the suspect was born biologically male but had publicly identified as female and used female pronouns. Police noted past responses to the family residence related to mental health concerns, including at least one occasion where firearms were seized by police under the provincial Mental Health Act. Those firearms were subsequently returned to their lawful owner.

The suspect was not a current student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and had reportedly dropped out about four years prior. Police have said it’s too early in the investigation to determine a motive, and there is no indication that victims were specifically targeted.



Response From Law Enforcement

Police believe the shooting was committed by a single individual acting alone.

Officers recovered two firearms at the school — a long gun and a modified handgun — and the RCMP continues to investigate how they were obtained and used.

Police confirmed that they have no reason to believe any other suspects are involved, and the area has been secured.



Community Impact

Tumbler Ridge is a small mountain town with a population of around 2,400 to 2,700 residents.

Local officials described the tragedy as something that has deeply impacted the community. The mayor said he has likely known many of the victims personally, given the town’s size and close social ties.

Schools in the district were closed for the remainder of the week following the shooting to allow students, families, and staff time to process the trauma and receive support.



National Reaction

Canadian leaders have expressed sorrow and solidarity with the community. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the shooting a national tragedy and ordered that flags at government buildings be flown at half-staff for seven days.

Carney also canceled a planned overseas trip out of respect for those affected and to focus on supporting the response.

Other political leaders and international figures extended condolences, emphasizing that Canada shares in the grief of Tumbler Ridge and stands with families during this difficult time.



What We Know About the Investigation

Police and investigators continue to work through the aftermath.

Authorities have said that:

Police responses to previous mental health calls to the suspect’s home will be reviewed.

Investigators are analyzing how the firearms used in the attack were obtained.

No clear motive has been identified as of yet.


The RCMP has emphasized that determining motive will take time, and they are collecting evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police records and communications.



School Safety and Response Actions

When the shooting began, the school’s emergency protocols were activated. Classrooms went into lockdown, and staff worked to secure students in safe areas.

Several students described using furniture and other materials to barricade doors and protect themselves during the incident.

First responders arrived quickly at the scene and provided coordinated efforts to evacuate students and locate victims. Police also used communication alerts to ensure nearby residents were informed of the violence and to stay inside until the situation was contained.



Broader Context

Canada has relatively strict gun laws compared to some other countries, and mass school shootings are historically rare.

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is considered the deadliest school attack in Canada since the Nova Scotia mass shooting in 2020 and remains one of the most severe incidents in recent history.

The tragedy has raised questions about possible gaps in safety planning, mental health interventions, firearms regulation, and community support systems — topics that are likely to be part of ongoing public discussion in the coming weeks and months.



Support and Healing in the Community

In the aftermath, community organizations, mental health professionals, and local leaders have been offering support services and resources to help families and residents cope with the trauma.

Many have emphasized the importance of compassion, listening, and providing safe spaces for students and adults to express grief and begin the process of emotional recovery.



Conclusion

The Tumbler Ridge school shooting is a devastating event that has deeply affected the Canadian community and drawn national attention. An 18-year-old local resident, Jesse Van Rootselaar, has been identified as the suspect who carried out the attack before dying by suicide.

Authorities continue their investigation into motive, weapon access, and mental health connections. Families and officials alike are seeking answers while supporting survivors through recovery.

This tragedy underscores the profound impact of violence on individuals and communities and highlights ongoing discussions about safety, support, and prevention in schools and beyond.

Our thoughts are with the victims, families, first responders, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.