Canada Shooting in Tumbler Ridge: What We Know

Another mass shooting has rocked Canada, this time in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The incident has made headlines, but do we have the full picture? With eight people dead, including the suspect, and more than 25 others wounded, this tragedy is now considered Canada’s deadliest mass shooting in recent years. It’s being compared to Canada's worst mass shootings in memory.

Mass shootings are rare in Canada, which has stricter gun laws than the U.S., contributing to fewer incidents. Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, serving a small student body of 175, sits at the heart of this close-knit community of just 2,400 residents.

For context, the deadliest shooting in Canadian history occurred in Nova Scotia in 2020, when 22 lives were lost. This event in Tumbler Ridge stands as one of the country’s worst tragedies.

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The Mass Shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School

An ordinary day in Tumbler Ridge turned into a nightmare. A gunman opened fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, killing eight people and injuring many others. By the time police reached the school, three 12-year-old female students, two male students aged 12 and 13, and a 39-year-old teacher had already died. A female youth survived with serious injuries. In total, nine people—including the suspect—lost their lives. Video footage showed students evacuating the building with their hands raised.

Before attacking the school, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar killed her mother and stepbrother at their home. Officers later found both victims dead at the residence. The suspect then took her own life. Investigators have not yet determined a clear motive.

Background and Context: Understanding Tumbler Ridge

Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, sits in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. About 2,400 people call this tight-knit town home, and neighbors actively look out for one another. Once a busy coal mining hub, the community now leans into outdoor tourism, attracting visitors with its dramatic landscapes and hiking trails.

Tumbler Ridge Secondary School anchors daily life in town and serves about 160 to 175 students. Families see the school as more than a place to learn—it brings people together, builds pride, and represents hope for the future. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) maintain a steady presence and work closely with residents to keep the peace.

To understand Tumbler Ridge is to understand the weight of this tragedy. In a town where everyone knows each other, the events at the secondary school have shaken the entire community and will shape it for years to come.

Incident Details: How the Tragedy Unfolded

The tragedy in Tumbler Ridge began with an act of courage. A young female relative of the suspect alerted a neighbor and reported a shooting at the family home. When police arrived, they found a devastating scene: the suspect’s mother and her 11-year-old step-brother had been killed.

The suspect then went to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and opened fire on students and staff. She killed three female students, two male students—ages 12 to 13—and a beloved educator. Officers arrived within two minutes of the first call and moved quickly to contain the threat. However, by the time they entered the building, the suspect had already died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In total, nine people, including the suspect, were confirmed dead, and several others sustained injuries. The sequence of events, from the family residence to the secondary school, unfolded with devastating speed, leaving the entire Tumbler Ridge community in shock and mourning.

Police Identify Suspect: Jesse Van Rootselaar

Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old trans woman from Tumbler Ridge, carried out the attack. In official briefings, the RCMP said she was assigned male at birth and transitioned about six years ago. Police had responded to her family home several times over the years for mental health concerns, including Mental Health Act assessments and self-harm incidents.

Authorities told CBC News they found no evidence that bullying related to her identity motivated the attack. During past visits, officers seized firearms under the Criminal Code. No firearms were registered to her, and her Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) expired in 2024. In Canada, anyone who owns a firearm must hold a valid PAL, which requires safety training and extensive lifetime background checks.

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The Police Response: A Swift But Tragic End

Officers arrived at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School within two minutes of the initial call and immediately heard gunfire. Police vehicles surrounded the school as part of a strong, coordinated response. Upon entering the building, a police officer secured the scene and found the suspected shooter, Jesse, already dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police recovered two firearms at the scene: a long gun and a modified handgun. Several victims sustained significant injuries but survived and are receiving ongoing medical treatment. Police confirmed there were no outstanding suspects or other outstanding suspects involved in the incident, indicating the suspect acted alone. The tragedy unfolded over more than two hours of terror, and by the time the police responded, the long gun and modified handgun had already caused significant damage.

But it didn’t stop there. Police discovered that Van Rootselaar’s firearms license had lapsed before the incident, raising concerns about how someone with such serious mental health struggles could still possess firearms. And let’s not forget the assault-style weapons—these details truly stir public outrage.

Victims of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting

The heartbreak in Tumbler Ridge is undeniable as the community mourns the loss of its youngest and most cherished members. The victims include an adult female educator and five students from Tumbler Ridge Secondary School—three 12-year-old female students and two male students, aged 12 and 13. Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that most of these young victims, born in 2012 and 2013, were found dead in the school library, with another victim discovered in a stairwell.

The tragedy reached beyond the school. At a local residence, police found the suspect’s mother, an adult female victim, and the suspect’s 11-year-old step-brother, a male youth, both dead. The loss of the suspect's mother and step-brother has deeply affected Tumbler Ridge, where every face is familiar. The community will carry the pain of losing these promising lives for years to come.

The Grieving Community of Tumbler Ridge

Behind every headline, a local community mourns. Tumbler Ridge, with a population of just 2,400, will feel the impact of this deadly mass shooting for years to come.

British Columbia declared a day of mourning to honor the profound loss. The Peace River South School District has set up support services for those affected by the tragedy at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Residents can visit the provincial government website for updates, information on the day of mourning, and support services.

Mayor Darryl Krakowka didn’t hold back when he said, “Our community has been shaken by this tragedy.” He urged people to support each other and rely on official police updates for the facts. The town is grieving together. Imagine this: a small town where most people likely know the victims personally. Tumbler Ridge stands united in shock. The residents haven’t just lost friends—they’ve lost family.

Support for Families

In the aftermath of the Tumbler Ridge shootings, the school district and community have united to support grieving families. The Tumbler Ridge Community Centre has become a sanctuary, offering a safe space for families to gather and receive help from mental health professionals. Counseling and resources are available to ensure no one faces this tragedy alone.

Prime Minister Mark Carney extended condolences, ordering flags to fly at half-staff for seven days. The Canadian government has pledged additional support, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have set up a victim services unit. The local community center remains a hub for comfort, showing that Tumbler Ridge stands together in times of crisis.

Mental Health Concerns: The Hidden Factor?

Let’s talk about something we can’t ignore—mental health. The shooting didn’t just happen out of the blue. It’s clear that mental health issues played a role. The suspect had been apprehended multiple times for assessments under the Mental Health Act. Police had last visited the suspect's family home in the spring due to concerns about self-harm.

Here’s the troubling part: despite the suspect’s history of mental health struggles, they were still able to legally purchase firearms. How did this happen? Why weren’t more interventions made? The suspect's family home had been visited multiple times by police, but nothing stopped this tragedy. As the investigation continues, the suspect's motive remains unclear. This is the real issue that we can’t overlook.

Healing and Recovery

The road to healing after a mass shooting is never easy, and for Tumbler Ridge, it has just begun. The school district decided to keep both the high school and elementary school closed for the rest of the week, giving students, staff, and families the space they need to process their grief. Mental health professionals are working closely with the school community, offering counseling and support to anyone affected by the tragedy.

Across Tumbler Ridge, neighbors are coming together for vigils and memorial services, finding strength in shared sorrow. The mass shooting has left the town reeling, but the commitment to recovery remains strong. The school community, supported by the school district and mental health professionals, is determined to help each other through the pain, one day at a time.

The Aftermath: What Comes Next?

Tumbler Ridge may never be the same again. Police presence in the town, the grief of victims' families, and the quiet hum of police vehicles leaving after an operation serve as chilling reminders that life can change in an instant. The school community will need years, maybe decades, to heal from what they witnessed. The young female relative who alerted the neighbors showed incredible bravery amidst the horror. Her actions likely helped expose the full extent of the suspect's family home tragedy.

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Canada's Stricter Gun Control: Can It Prevent Tragedies?

Canada boasts some of the toughest gun control measures globally, yet a deadly mass shooting still occurred. While Canada remains one of the safest countries regarding gun violence, the fact that such an event took place raises the question: Do these laws truly prevent tragedies?

Current Gun Control Laws and Challenges

Canada’s Firearms Act and Criminal Code require gun owners to have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), along with background checks. Since October 2022, it’s illegal to buy, sell, or transfer handguns, and Bill C-21, enacted in December 2023, banned over 2,500 assault-style firearms. A buyback program aims to reduce firearms, but it faces opposition from gun owners and political challenges. Since October 2022, it has been illegal to buy, sell, or transfer handguns in Canada, effectively capping the number of handguns in private circulation. Despite these measures, cross-border smuggling from the U.S. contributes to a 55% rise in firearm violence from 2013 to 2023.

Mental Health and Community Response: A Bigger Issue

While Canada’s gun laws are stricter than many countries, including the U.S., the issue goes beyond firearms regulation. Mental health, community support, and access to proper care also play a key role. This tragedy highlights that gun control alone may not be enough to prevent such devastating events.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Response to the Shooting

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families, standing with Tumbler Ridge during this tragedy. He praised the community’s resilience and unity in the face of loss.

The Canadian Prime Minister canceled his planned trip to the Munich Security Conference to address the tragedy and lead the national response. While offering condolences, tough questions remain: What’s next to prevent another Canada shooting like this?

Remembering the Victims

The Tumbler Ridge shootings have left a lasting impact. The victims, including an adult female educator and five students from Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, are remembered for their love of learning and joy. The suspect’s mother and step-brother, found dead at their home, are mourned as beloved family members whose lives were cut short.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the suspect acted alone, but the motive remains unclear. Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, stands united in grief, cherishing the memories of the lost. The school community, friends, and families will continue to honor the victims as the town heals and supports one another.

Lessons Learned: Reflections and Future Actions

The Tumbler Ridge shootings have sparked a national debate on gun control, mental health, and community resilience. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the suspect struggled with mental health issues and had multiple police visits, raising urgent concerns about mental health care—especially in rural communities like Tumbler Ridge.

The tragedy has also reignited debate over assault-style weapon regulations and the effectiveness of Canada’s gun buyback program. Although Canada has strict gun laws, this incident shows the country must do more to protect its communities.

Moving forward, leaders must strengthen mental health support, enforce gun laws more effectively, and foster a culture of care and vigilance. By learning from this tragedy, Tumbler Ridge and Canada can build a safer, more compassionate future.

Conclusion: Moving Forward With Caution and Care

The Tumbler Ridge shootings show that tragedies can strike anywhere, even in small communities. Canadian authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, are investigating and supporting the affected families. This incident has now become one of Canada's deadliest mass shootings in recent years, highlighting the severity of such events.

In light of this, it’s a wake-up call for the nation. We must rethink how we approach mental health, firearm regulations, and support systems before it's too late. While Tumbler Ridge will heal, the memory of this tragedy will stay with them. Let’s hope the rest of Canada doesn’t forget either.

And there we have it! A tragedy like this leaves us with more questions than answers. However, for now, we hold the victims and their families close, remembering that their loss isn’t just a number—it’s a life. Canada’s deadliest rampage left a scar, but with proper support and change, maybe, just maybe, we’ll see a safer tomorrow. But let’s keep those mental health professionals on our radar—and not just as a side note.

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