Canadian authorities have revealed that police visited the home of the teenage suspect in one of Canada's deadliest school shootings multiple times over mental health concerns, and that firearms were seized from the residence approximately two years ago but later returned.
The attack occurred on Tuesday in the western Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge, where six people, including a teacher and five children, were killed. About 25 others were injured, with two remaining in critical but stable condition. The suspect's mother and step-brother were also found dead at the family home, while the suspected shooter, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found at the school with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that police had attended the residence on multiple occasions over the past several years due to concerns about the suspect's mental health. On some occasions, the suspect was apprehended under the country's Mental Health Act for assessment and follow-up. McDonald also confirmed that at least one interaction involved weapons: 'Police have attended that residence in the past, approximately a couple of years ago, where firearms were seized under the Criminal Code. At a later point in time, the lawful owner of those firearms petitioned for those firearms to be returned and they were.'
The suspect had a firearms licence that expired in 2024 and did not have any firearms registered in her name, McDonald added. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and the investigation is in its early stages. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit the town of about 2,400 people on Friday.
The incident has raised questions about why firearms were returned to a home where police had been called for mental health concerns. British Columbia Premier David Eby said, 'I have a lot of questions. I know the people of Tumbler Ridge have a lot of questions.' Former RCMP officer Sherry Benson-Podolchuk suggested that Canada would need to change its laws to allow officers to seize firearms during mental health checks.
Victims include 12-year-old Kylie Smith, described by her father as 'the light of her family,' and Abel Mwansa Jr, a child with a scientific mind. The suspect's mother, identified as Jennifer Strang, and her 11-year-old son were also among the deceased.
