British Columbia, Canada – A devastating school shooting in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge has left nine people dead, including the suspect, in one of the worst mass killings in Canadian history.
Police identified the attacker as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who first killed her mother and 11-year-old stepbrother before targeting her former school on Tuesday, February 11, 2026. Van Rootselaar died by suicide at the scene.
Police Investigation
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that Van Rootselaar had a history of mental health struggles and had previously been apprehended under the provincial Mental Health Act.
“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 said.
Authorities recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the scene. While dozens were injured, two victims remain in critical condition, including a 12-year-old girl named Maya, who sustained gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
National Mourning
The tragedy has shaken Canada, where school shootings are rare. Prime Minister Mark Carney postponed a planned trip to Europe, ordered flags on government buildings to fly at half-mast for seven days, and addressed the nation with visible emotion.
“We will get through this. We will learn from this,” Carney said, adding that the killings had left the country in shock and mourning.
The House of Commons observed a moment of silence, while King Charles, Canada’s head of state, expressed that he was “profoundly shocked and saddened.”
Community Response
The mayor of Tumbler Ridge, Darryl Krakowka, described the town of 2,400 residents as “one big family,” urging compassion and solidarity.
“Lend your ear when someone needs your ear. Lend your shoulder when someone needs your shoulder. Give somebody a hug,” he said.
Residents emphasized the close-knit nature of the community, where “everybody knows everybody” and trust has always been a hallmark of daily life.
Victims Remembered
Families have begun sharing tributes to loved ones lost in the attack:
- Abel Mwansa mourned his 12-year-old son, Abel, recalling his love for school and his dedication to studies.
- Shanon Dycke confirmed her 12-year-old niece, Kylie May Smith, was among the victims, asking for prayers for grieving families.
Broader Context
Canada has stricter gun laws than the United States, but licensed ownership is permitted. Van Rootselaar previously held a firearms license that expired in 2024. Police had seized firearms from the family home two years ago but later returned them after an appeal.
The shooting ranks among the deadliest in Canadian history, alongside the 2020 Nova Scotia rampage that killed 22 people and the 1989 Montreal massacre at Ecole Polytechnique, where 14 female students were murdered.
Conclusion
The Tumbler Ridge tragedy has left Canada grappling with grief, questions about mental health interventions, and renewed scrutiny of firearm regulations. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the victims and seeks to understand how such devastation unfolded in a community known for its closeness and trust.
