BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt opened Thursday's programme with a heartbreaking announcement about a mass shooting in British Columbia, Canada, described as one of the worst in the country's history.
Stayt, 63, informed viewers that eight people had been shot dead, with the suspect named as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootseelar, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. The attack occurred at a high school, with victims including a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. Two additional victims—the suspect's 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old brother—were found at their family home.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed a history of police attendance at the family residence related to mental health issues. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated: 'We have a history of police attendance at the family residence. Some of those calls are related to mental health issues.'
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed condolences and announced flags would fly at half-mast for seven days. 'We will get through this. We will learn from this,' he said. 'But right now, it's a time to come together, as Canadians always do in these situations, these terrible situations, to support each other, to mourn together and to grow together.'
