Tragedy Strikes Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia
A devastating mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has left eight people dead, marking one of the deadliest mass casualty events in Canada's recent history. The attack occurred on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, which has a population of just 2,400 residents.
Details of the Attack and Victims
Police responded to reports of an active shooter at the school, which has approximately 175 students, at 1:20 PM local time. Upon entering the building, officers discovered multiple victims deceased. The attacker was also found dead at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The victims included a 39-year-old female teacher, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. Two additional victims were found at a local residence: a 39-year-old female and an 11-year-old male. Police confirmed that the 39-year-old female was the mother of the suspect, while the 11-year-old is believed to be their brother or step-brother.
Authorities revealed that the family members were killed first before the school shootings occurred. Approximately 25 other individuals were assessed for non-life-threatening injuries following the attack.
Suspect Identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar
The attacker has been identified by police as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar from Tumbler Ridge. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated at a news conference that the suspect, who identified as female but was born biologically male, had begun transitioning approximately six years ago.
Van Rootselaar was not currently attending Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and had dropped out about four years prior. Police had visited the suspect's family residence on multiple occasions over the past several years to address mental health concerns.
Superintendent Ken Floyd noted that the suspect's motive remains unclear, and authorities are "not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy." A public alert initially described the shooter as "a female in a dress with brown hair."
Community Response and Impact
During the attack, children at the school reportedly barricaded themselves in classrooms by placing desks and chairs against doors in an attempt to keep the shooter out. Parents were shepherded to a local hall to await news about their children's safety.
Darryl Krakowka, mayor of Tumbler Ridge, expressed devastation over the tragedy, describing the town's small community as a "big family." He added, "I have lived here for 18 years. I probably know every one of the victims."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered his "prayers and deepest condolences" to the families and friends of the victims, calling the attack "horrific." British Columbia Premier David Eby stated, "Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones," and promised government support for community members.
The school will remain closed for the rest of the week as the community grieves and authorities continue their investigation.
Canadian Gun Laws Context
While Canada has stricter firearms legislation compared to its neighbor, the United States, this tragedy raises questions about gun control measures. Canadian law requires anyone wanting to possess a firearm to obtain a possession and acquisition licence (PAL), with handguns requiring a restricted possession and acquisition licence (RPAL) issued by police.
In 2022, the government implemented a freeze on importing, buying, or selling handguns. Following a previous mass shooting in Nova Scotia in April 2020 that killed 22 people, the government announced an immediate ban on the sale and use of assault-style weapons.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the ban of more than 1,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms, including weapons used in the 2020 attack and the AR-15. However, possession of such firearms is not yet illegal, with a compensation program running until the end of March 2026 and a deadline for handing over banned assault weapons set for the end of October 2026.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what type of firearm was used in the Tumbler Ridge attack as the investigation continues.
