Canadian police have identified the suspect in a school massacre that left nine dead in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as an 18-year-old with a history of mental health problems. The attack on Tuesday saw one teacher and five students killed at the local secondary school, with the suspect's mother and step-brother later found dead at the family home.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) named the shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar, whose body was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said Van Rootselaar had been born male but transitioned to female approximately six years ago. Police had responded to mental health calls at the home over recent years, and on at least one occasion firearms were seized.
The attack began when Van Rootselaar arrived at the school armed with a long gun and a modified handgun, opening fire on staff and students. Police arrived within two minutes and were fired upon, later discovering victims in a stairwell and a classroom. The deaths at the family home were determined to have occurred prior to the school shooting.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation, saying the country stands with Tumbler Ridge in mourning. He ordered flags on government buildings to fly at half-mast for seven days and cancelled travel plans. The incident has left Canada reeling, with questions emerging about the suspect's history and possible motives, though police caution the investigation is in its early stages.
