Suspect Jesse Van Rootselaar Kills Eight Including Students and Teacher in School Shooting in Tumbler Ridge British Columbia Before Taking Own Life

A small mountain town in British Columbia is reeling after a shocking school shooting claimed eight lives, including six students and a teacher.

The suspect, an 18-year-old identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead at the scene following the attack.

Authorities are still working to piece together the motive behind one of Canada’s deadliest recent tragedies.

Suspect and Victims

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that Van Rootselaar had prior contact with police over mental health concerns.

The tragedy began at the suspect’s home, where her mother, aged 39, and 11-year-old stepbrother were also found dead.

A young family member managed to escape to a neighbour, who alerted authorities.

At Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, the victims were discovered in multiple locations, including a stairwell and the library.

Police emphasize that the victims at the school were not personally connected to the suspect.

“There is no information at this point that anyone was specifically targeted,” McDonald said.

Among those killed were a 39-year-old teacher and five students aged 12 and 13.

Over 25 people were injured, many of whom were transported to nearby medical facilities.

Initially, officials mistakenly reported nine fatalities due to confusion over one critically injured victim.

Quick Police Response

Police responded within two minutes of the first call.

Officers reported gunfire directed at them upon arrival, highlighting the danger and intensity of the situation.

Recovered weapons included a long gun and a modified handgun.

Video footage from the scene shows students evacuating with hands raised, while police and helicopters secured the area.

A Community in Shock

Tumbler Ridge, a town of roughly 2,700 residents in the Canadian Rockies, is struggling to process the loss.

Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the community as “a big family” and admitted he knew many of the victims personally.

“I broke down,” he said. “I have lived here for 18 years. I probably know every one of the victims.”

Parents, grandparents, and siblings are left grappling with the sudden loss.

Residents reported long hours of lockdown as the attack unfolded.

Shelley Quist, whose son was in the library just minutes before the shooting, described the fear and uncertainty.

National Response

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed Parliament, expressing grief and solidarity with the families affected.

Flags at government buildings will fly at half-mast for seven days.

Carney postponed a planned trip to Halifax and Munich, stating: “We will get through this.”

British Columbia Premier David Eby urged the public to support Tumbler Ridge and its residents during this devastating time.

Social media has been flooded with messages of support and condolences, as the nation mourns alongside the local community.

Context of Gun Violence in Canada

Canada has strict gun control laws, and school shootings are rare.

The government has tightened regulations further in recent years, including a broadened ban on firearms considered assault weapons.

Still, isolated incidents continue to remind the country of the need for vigilance around mental health and gun safety.

What’s Next?

Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the shooting and to reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the killings.

Authorities have also called for mental health and community support services to be made available for survivors, families, and first responders.

Schools in Tumbler Ridge will remain closed for the rest of the week while grief counselling is offered to students and staff.

The RCMP and provincial authorities are also reviewing prior interactions with the suspect to understand whether intervention might have been possible and how future tragedies can be prevented.

Summary

An 18-year-old, Jesse Van Rootselaar, carried out a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, leaving eight people dead, including six students and a teacher, before taking her own life.

The suspect’s mother and stepbrother were also found dead in a home near the school.

More than 25 others were injured.

Police stress the victims were not targeted, and the motive remains unclear.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier David Eby have expressed national grief, while local authorities work to provide support and investigate the tragedy.

Schools in the town will remain closed, and mental health resources are being mobilized for the affected community.