Canada is mourning after a devastating shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where authorities say an 18-year-old suspect killed their mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at home before carrying out a deadly attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The violence left eight victims dead in total and injured dozens more, marking one of the most tragic school shootings in the country's recent history.
What Happened
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the violence began inside the suspect's family residence on February 10. Officers later confirmed that the suspect's 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother were fatally shot at the home.
Authorities say the suspect then traveled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where gunfire erupted inside the building. The victims at the school included a 39-year-old female teacher and five students between the ages of 12 and 13.
Police reported that officers arrived within minutes of the first emergency call and encountered gunfire upon arrival. The suspect was later found deceased at the school from what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In total, eight victims were killed by the attacker. More than two dozen others were injured, with several remaining hospitalized in serious condition.
Suspect Identified
Police identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, a former student of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School who had left the institution four years ago.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that the suspect had previous contact with law enforcement, including visits to the family residence related to mental health concerns.
On at least one occasion approximately two years ago, firearms were seized from the home under Canada's criminal code. Those firearms were later returned to their lawful owner following a legal petition process.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect previously held a firearms license, which expired in 2024. No firearms were registered under the suspect's name at the time of the attack. Investigators recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the scene.
Motive Still Unknown
Officials have stated that the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Police have not indicated that specific individuals were targeted, and no note explaining the violence has been recovered.
"We don't have an idea yet as to motive," McDonald said during a press briefing. "It would be too early to speculate."
Authorities have also stated they believe the suspect acted alone.
A Community in Shock
Tumbler Ridge is a small mountain town of approximately 2,400 residents in northeastern British Columbia. Known as a tight-knit community where neighbors know one another, residents described the tragedy as unimaginable.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the attack a profound tragedy and ordered flags on federal buildings lowered to half-mast for seven days. A moment of silence was observed in Parliament as the country entered a period of mourning.
Vigils have been held for the victims, and grief counselors have been made available to students, families, and first responders.
Canada and School Violence
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada compared to the United States, though the country has experienced several devastating incidents in past decades. The Tumbler Ridge attack now ranks among the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history.
As investigators continue to examine the events leading up to the tragedy, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
As Tumbler Ridge grieves, the tragedy has left a deep wound in a town where neighbors know each other by name and children once walked hallways without fear. In the days ahead, families will gather, candles will be lit, and prayers will be whispered for those lost and those still recovering. While investigators work to uncover answers, a shaken community now faces the harder task - holding onto hope, supporting one another, and finding strength in the midst of unimaginable sorrow.
