Tumbler Ridge school shooting: police identify suspect in Canada attack as 18-year-old local
A quiet, close-knit Canadian town is struggling to process an unthinkable tragedy. On Tuesday afternoon, a deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia left eight people dead and dozens injured, shaking a community of just 2,400 residents.
Here’s a clear, human-centered breakdown of what authorities have confirmed so far—without speculation, and with respect for those affected.
What happened in Tumbler Ridge?
Police say the violence unfolded in two locations.
First, officers discovered two people dead at a nearby home—the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother. Shortly afterward, the suspect went to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where the deadliest part of the attack occurred.
At the school, six people were killed:
- A 39-year-old female educator
- Three female students, all aged 12
- Two male students, aged 12 and 13
At least 25 others were injured, with two victims airlifted to hospital, where they remain under care.
Who was the suspect?
Police identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, aged 18.
Authorities said Van Rootselaar was found dead at the school from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators have confirmed there are no other suspects.
The RCMP stated that Van Rootselaar was born a biological male and had been transitioning to female for approximately six years. Police emphasized that the motive remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
How quickly did police respond?
According to the RCMP, officers received an active shooter call at 13:30 local time and arrived within two minutes. They entered the school while gunfire was still ongoing.
Within minutes, officers located the deceased suspect. Police then conducted a room-by-room search to find victims and secure the building.
Two firearms—a long gun and a modified handgun—were found at the scene, though police say it is still unclear how each weapon was used.
What do we know about the suspect’s background?
Police revealed several important details:
- Van Rootselaar dropped out of the school four years ago
- They had previously held a valid gun license, which had since lapsed
- Officers had attended the family home multiple times over several years, including calls related to mental health concerns
Authorities have not linked these factors to a motive but confirmed they are part of the wider investigation.
A community in mourning
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the town as “small and tight-knit,” saying he expects to personally know every victim.
“I don’t call them residents. I call them family,” he told CBC.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the attack an act of “unheard-of cruelty,” noting that some victims are still “fighting for their lives.”
With only 160 students in Grades 7–12, the school sits at the heart of the community—making the loss especially devastating.
What happens next?
Investigators continue to examine:
- The timeline of events
- The use and source of the firearms
- The suspect’s movements and history
Counselling services and community support resources have been activated as the town begins the long process of healing.
Final thoughts
This tragedy has reopened difficult conversations in Canada around school safety, mental health support, and gun regulation. For now, though, the focus remains on the victims, their families, and a community coming together in grief.
As authorities learn more, updates will continue to clarify what led to this devastating day.
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