Canadian School Massacre: 9 Dead in Tumbler Ridge Shooting
A small town in British Columbia is reeling after a devastating act of violence that has left nine people dead, including the perpetrator. Authorities have identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who took her own life after a deadly rampage that began at her family home and ended at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The scale of this tragedy has shaken Canada, a nation unaccustomed to such mass casualty events.
Police say the attack started at the family residence, where Van Rootselaar killed her mother, 39 and her 11-year-old step-brother. She then traveled to the local high school, a small institution with around 175 students and opened fire. Seven people were killed at the school, including a teacher and six students aged 12 and 13. Victims were found in multiple locations, including the school library and a stairwell. Two others remain hospitalized with serious injuries, while as many as 25 more were treated for non-life-threatening wounds.
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Authorities have stressed that Van Rootselaar acted alone. The motive remains unknown and police caution that it may never be fully understood. Officials also note a history of prior police visits to the family home, some related to mental health concerns. Firearms used in the attack were legally owned, though the suspect’s licence had expired two years ago.
The Canadian Prime Minister, visibly emotional, called the shootings “terrible” and expressed deep condolences to the families affected. Flags are being flown at half-mast and the province has declared a day of mourning. World leaders, including King Charles, have also expressed their shock and sadness. For a town of just 2,400 residents, the impact is immense and community leaders warn it will take time and courage to recover.
This tragic event is one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history, following earlier mass shootings like the 1989 Ecole Polytechnique attack in Montreal and the 2020 rampage in Nova Scotia. It underscores ongoing questions around gun ownership, mental health support and school safety, even in countries with stricter gun laws.
As investigators continue to examine the timeline and connections between victims and the shooter, the people of Tumbler Ridge are left to grapple with grief and trauma on a scale far beyond what any small community should ever face. Families, friends and first responders are all being supported as authorities work to secure the area and provide answers.
Stay with us as we continue to follow the investigation, provide updates on the victims and bring clarity to this heartbreaking situation. Keep watching for the latest developments and expert insights as this story unfolds.
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