18-year-old gunman murders family members before attacking Tumbler Ridge school and killing seven in British Columbia

 

A quiet town in British Columbia is struggling to process one of the darkest days in its history after a devastating school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School left eight people dead and dozens injured.

The 18-year-old gunman, Jesse Van Rootselaar, had previously killed his mother and younger brother at their home before opening fire in the school library on Tuesday afternoon.

The shooting has been described as the second-deadliest school massacre in Canadian history, shattering a community where everyone knows each other and families are tightly knit.

Victims and Immediate Impact

Six students and one teacher tragically lost their lives at the school.

The victims ranged in age from 13 to 17, including three girls and two boys.

Twenty-five others were injured, with 12-year-old Maya Gebala in critical condition after being struck in the head and neck.

Her family described her injuries as life-threatening, and they are holding on to hope for a miracle.

Parents and residents of Tumbler Ridge have been left shaken.

One local father revealed that his son, who knew the shooter and had played sports with his sister, is now too terrified to return to school.

“It was just a normal day. Our community is shattered,” said Cia Edmonds, Maya’s mother, who expressed grief not only for her daughter but for all families affected.

The Shooter’s Background

Jesse Van Rootselaar, who had used his mother’s last name, Strang, socially and at school, had been identifying as female since the age of 12.

Authorities noted that there had been repeated calls to his home related to his mental health over the years.

He stopped attending school at 14 and had been apprehended once under Canada’s mental health legislation for assessment.

The RCMP revealed that firearms had previously been seized from his home but were later returned to the lawful owner.

At the time of the shootings, his mother did not have a valid firearms license.

Those who knew him described him as a quiet individual who often kept to himself.

The Shooting Unfolds

The attack began at around 1:20 pm when an emergency alert warned residents of an active shooter.

Students were instructed to lock down immediately, barricading doors and hiding for their safety.

Senior student Darian Quist described the tense hours hiding in his classroom, unsure what was happening and terrified as photos of the carnage began circulating on cell phones.

Eventually, police escorted students to safety, ending a harrowing ordeal that left a town grappling with unimaginable loss.

The school, which serves 175 students, along with the elementary school in the area, will remain closed for the remainder of the week.

Community and Leadership Response

The shooting prompted an outpouring of grief and support from across Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation and gratitude for the courage of first responders, while provincial Premier David Eby urged residents to care for one another and hold their families close in the wake of the tragedy.

Locals described the Van Rootselaar family as well-known in the community, adding to the shock.

“There’s not one person in this town right now that’s not affected by this,” said Liam Irving, a longtime resident.

Families across Tumbler Ridge are now struggling to come to terms with the events of the day, mourning lost children, neighbors, and friends.

What’s Next?

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooter’s motives and how he obtained the weapons.

Mental health and school safety experts are expected to work with the community to address the trauma experienced by students and families.

There is also likely to be renewed scrutiny on firearm regulations and the support systems available for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Counselors and support services are being deployed to Tumbler Ridge to help students and families cope with the immediate and long-term psychological impact of the massacre.

Discussions on improving school security and mental health interventions are expected at provincial and national levels in the coming weeks.

Summary

Tumbler Ridge is left in shock following a horrific school shooting that claimed eight lives, including a teacher and six students, with dozens more injured.

The gunman, Jesse Van Rootselaar, had a history of mental health concerns and had previously killed his mother and brother before targeting the school.

As the town mourns and supports victims, Canadian authorities are investigating the circumstances, while mental health and school safety measures are being urgently reviewed.

The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the tight-knit community, highlighting the urgent need for both preventive and supportive measures in the aftermath of violence.