Teen Gunman Strikes Tumbler Ridge School, Leaving Multiple Dead and Injured
A quiet mountain town in British Columbia has been shaken by a devastating act of violence, as authorities confirm a deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge. At least eight people are dead, including two family members of the alleged shooter and around 25 others have been injured in what police describe as two separate attacks—one at a residence, the other at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Officials say the tragedy began when 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar reportedly killed her mother and step-brother at home before heading to the school. Police arrived within minutes of the first reports, but the rapid pace of events left the community in shock. Students barricaded themselves in classrooms, using tables and desks to stay safe as alarms blared through the school. RCMP issued shelter-in-place warnings, urging residents to stay indoors while the situation unfolded.
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The victims at the school include a teacher and several students, mostly between 12 and 13 years old. Authorities are carefully notifying families before releasing identities, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation. At the residence, two additional victims—Van Rootselaar’s mother and step-brother—were found dead. The alleged shooter was later discovered deceased inside the school from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury.
Jesse Van Rootselaar, described by police as having dropped out of school years ago, had previously come to the attention of authorities over mental health concerns. Police confirmed multiple welfare checks over recent years, including apprehensions for assessment and follow-up and firearms had been previously seized and later returned. Van Rootselaar had been transitioning from male to female over the past six years, but officials say there is no evidence that bullying or harassment related to this transition contributed to the attack. Motive remains under investigation and authorities caution against speculation at this early stage.
Tumbler Ridge itself is a small, resilient community, founded in the 1980s as a coal mining town. It has faced economic challenges over the years, including mine closures, yet residents have often come together in times of crisis, from wildfires to economic hardships. This tragedy now tests that resilience in a profoundly personal and tragic way.
The national response has been immediate. Flags across Canada are lowered to half-staff. Prime Minister Mark Carney and other leaders observed moments of silence in Parliament, honoring the victims and their families. The province of British Columbia has declared a day of mourning and community support is pouring in from across the country.
This is a deeply troubling incident that underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence, mental health and community safety. As investigations continue, the full impact of this tragedy will emerge, but for now, the focus remains on the victims, their families and the town of Tumbler Ridge as it confronts a day of grief unlike any in recent memory. Stay with us as we continue to provide updates and follow the story closely.
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