Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhnida at 1415 EAT on Thursday 12 February 2026

An 18‑year‑old has been named as the suspect in a mass shooting that killed multiple people and injured dozens more in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. Police have identified the suspected shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar, a former resident of the town.

Authorities said Van Rootselaar was found dead at the scene from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Van Rootselaar first killed two relatives — a 39‑year‑old woman believed to be their mother and an 11‑year‑old boy thought to be their step‑brother — at a nearby home before proceeding to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where several students and a teacher were fatally shot.

At least five students and one teacher were among those killed at the school, and around 25 others were injured, including some with serious wounds.

Hundreds of mourners gathered Wednesday night in Tumbler Ridge’s main square and outside the British Columbia legislature in Vancouver for moments of silence and tributes to the victims.

Authorities recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the scene, but have not yet released details on how the weapons were obtained.

The tragic incident has shook the small community and drawn expressions of grief from leaders and residents nationwide as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack.

“Schools should be safe,” said Gigi Rejano, a vigil attendee in Tumbler Ridge, as others nearby cried and placed photographs of victims near a tree, according to the AFP news agency.

Hundreds of mourners gathered in the town’s main square and later outside the British Columbia legislature in Vancouver to share moments of silence and support.

In Vancouver, Raj Chouhan, speaker of the provincial legislature, said: “We can only pray together, hold hands together and send our love to all those people,” according to a local journalist.

Authorities have said the shooting began at a nearby residence and then moved to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. At the school, victims included a 39‑year‑old female educator and several students, all aged between 12 and 13.

Authorities do not believe any other suspects were involved in the Tumbler Ridge shootings.

Police said they had visited the suspect’s family home multiple times over the past several years, with some calls related to mental health concerns.

The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was born biologically male but began transitioning to female approximately six years ago, according to RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald.

“Jesse was known to police, and we’ve begun reaching out to the public health care system to understand what interactions may have taken place,” British Columbia Premier David Eby said during a news conference outside Tumbler Ridge town hall on Wednesday evening.

Authorities confirmed that Van Rootselaar had previously held a valid gun licence, which had since lapsed. Police also said the suspect had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years ago.

Around 1:20 p.m. local time (20:20 GMT) on Tuesday, police received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia and responded immediately. Officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrived at the school within minutes and encountered active gunfire as they approached, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Officers entered the building and quickly located the suspected shooter, who was found deceased from what police believe was a self‑inflicted gunshot wound. Two firearms — a long gun and a modified handgun — were recovered at the scene, though investigators say it remains unclear what role each played in the attack.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Police immediately began searching the school for victims. More than 100 students and staff were evacuated to a local community centre once the threat was contained. About 25 people were treated for possible injuries, with two seriously wounded victims airlifted to hospital by air ambulance, authorities said.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of roughly 2,400 residents, has a secondary school of about 160 students in Grades 7‑12.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the attack as a scene of “unheard‑of cruelty” and noted that some victims remain in hospital “fighting for their lives.” Meanwhile, Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka said the close‑knit community felt like “one big family,” urging residents to support one another in the aftermath.

Source: BBC

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