Tumbler Ridge, a small northeastern British Columbia community of about 2,400 residents nestled amid forested hills and known for its remote, tight-knit atmosphere, was shattered by a horrific mass shooting on February 10, 2026.
The attack, which unfolded at a local home and Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, claimed the lives of eight people and left 27 others injured, marking one of Canada’s deadliest incidents of gun violence in recent history.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a localresident who was found dead at the school from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities revealed that Van Rootselaar, who had transitioned to female about six years prior and was assigned male at birth, had a history of mental health challenges.
Police had responded to the family home multiple times over the years for mental health-related calls, including a recent incident in the spring of 2025, where firearms were temporarily seized and later returned. Van Rootselaar’s firearms license had expired in 2024, and the weapons recovered at the scene, a long gun and a modified handgun, were not registered to her. No note was left behind, and investigators have not yet determined a motive, though the probe continues.
At approximately 1:20 PM, police received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Upon arrival, officers discovered six victims deceased inside the building: a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old boy. Most were located in the school library, with one in a stairwell.
However, the sequence of events began at the suspect’s home, where Van Rootselaar fatally shot her 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Strang, originally from Lawn, Newfoundland, and her 11-year-old stepbrother. A young female relative escaped and sought help from a neighbor, who alerted authorities around 2:45 PM local time.
The injured, numbering 27, received initial treatment at the local Tumbler Ridge Health Centre. Among them, one patient was airlifted in critical condition to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, while another was transferred to advanced care in the province’s Lower Mainland.
Initial reports suggested a higher death toll, but authorities revised it to eight victims after confirming one injured person had survived. In the wake of the tragedy, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced February 12 as a provincial day of mourning, postponing the Throne Speech and calling for a moment of silence in the legislature.
Mental health support teams, including specialists from B.C. Children’s Hospital and Northern Health have been deployed to the area to assist residents, students, and first responders. A growing memorial of flowers and tributes has formed near the school, symbolizing the community’s grief and solidarity.
Nationally, the House of Commons observed a moment of silence, with leaders from all parties offering condolences. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed the nation’s sorrow, stating, ‘The nation mourns with you.’
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the event appalling and emphasized unity across political lines. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, visibly emotional, highlighted the unimaginable pain for parents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock, while King Charles extended his sympathies.
On social media, discussions have focused on the suspect’s identity and background, with some locals identifying Van Rootselaar as transgender. Community initiatives included a GoFundMe for a 12-year-old victim fighting for her life.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald urged the public to rely on verified information amid the ongoing investigation. The incident ranks among Canada’s most severe school shootings, prompting renewed conversations about gun control, mental health resources, and community safety in remote areas.
Support services were made available, including B.C.’s Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 and Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.