Police Had Repeated Contact with Tumbler Ridge Suspect Over Mental Health Issues
Canadian police have disclosed that they were called to the residence of the teenage suspect in one of Canada's deadliest school shootings on multiple occasions in recent years, primarily due to concerns about mental health problems and weapons. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday in the small western Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge, resulting in six fatalities, including a teacher and five children, and injuring approximately 25 others, with two victims remaining in critical but stable condition.
Details of the Police Interactions and Firearms Seizure
Dwayne McDonald, a deputy commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), confirmed during a press briefing on Wednesday that the family was known to authorities. "Police had attended that residence on multiple occasions over the past several years dealing with concerns of mental health with respect to our suspect," McDonald stated. He added that the suspect had been apprehended under Canada's mental health act for assessment and follow-up on different occasions.
McDonald further revealed that at least one of these interactions involved weapons. "Police have attended that residence in the past, approximately a couple of years ago, where firearms were seized under the criminal code," he explained. "At a later point in time, the lawful owner of those firearms petitioned for those firearms to be returned and they were." The suspect, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, had a firearms licence that expired in 2024 and did not have any firearms registered in her name.
Community Mourning and Questions Over Firearms Return
The attack has left the community of Tumbler Ridge, home to about 2,400 people, in a state of shock and mourning. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to visit the town on Friday. In the aftermath, questions have been raised across Canada about why firearms were returned to a home where police had been called for mental health concerns. British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed his concerns, telling reporters, "I have a lot of questions. I know the people of Tumbler Ridge have a lot of questions."
Former RCMP officer Sherry Benson-Podolchuk highlighted the legal limitations, noting that for police to act differently, Canada would need to change its laws to allow officers to seize firearms during mental health checks. While Canada has stricter gun laws than the US, including a ban on assault-style firearms and a freeze on handgun sales, this incident has sparked debate over existing regulations.
Victims and Family Tributes
The victims included Abel Mwansa Jr, whose mother, Bwalya Chisanga, shared her grief on Facebook, writing, "I can't handle this pain." His father described him as a child with a scientific mind and bright future. Another victim, 12-year-old Kylie Smith, was remembered by her father, Lance Younge, as the "light of her family" who loved art and anime. He urged the media to focus on the victims, many of whom were young children.
In addition to the school shooting, the suspect's mother, 39, and 11-year-old step-brother were found dead at the family home. The suspect was discovered at the school with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Social media posts indicated a close-knit family, with the suspect's mother, identified as Jennifer Strang by CBC, previously linking to the suspect's YouTube channel about hunting and guns.
Investigation and Broader Context
Police stated that the motive for the attack remains unclear, and the investigation is still in its early stages. McDonald also addressed the suspect's gender identity, noting that Jesse was born male and began transitioning to female about six years ago. This has led to warnings from campaigners and gun violence experts against generalizing based on gender identity, with data from the US Gun Violence Archive showing less than 0.1% of mass shootings were carried out by transgender people. Research indicates transgender people are more likely to be victims of crimes.
As the community holds vigils and mourns, the incident has ignited discussions on mental health support, gun control laws, and the need for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
