Canadian police have identified the suspect in the Tumbler Ridge school and home shooting as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident. The death toll has been revised to nine, including the suspect, after a female victim with serious injuries survived and remains in critical condition.
The first killings occurred at the suspect's family residence, where the 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother were found dead. The suspect then went to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where a 39-year-old teacher, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13 were killed. One victim was discovered in the stairwell; the others were in the library.
Police were alerted to the school first and then to the home by a female youth related to the suspect and victims. Two firearms were recovered: a long gun and a modified handgun. The suspect's firearms licence expired in 2024, and no firearms were registered to her. The suspect had dropped out of the school about four years ago.
There is no information suggesting any of the school victims were specifically targeted. Police had attended the family home several times for mental health concerns, including an incident two years ago when firearms were seized but later returned to the lawful owner.
The suspect was born biologically male but had started transitioning approximately six years ago and identified as female. The motive remains unknown. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed solidarity with the community, stating that 'all of Canada stands with you' and that there would be difficult conversations ahead.
