TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Authorities have identified the 18-year-old responsible for a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that claimed 10 lives, including the gunman.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed the shooter was Jesse Van Rootselaar, also known as Jesse Strang, a former student of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The attack began Tuesday at a private residence in the rural northeastern B.C. community and later moved to the local secondary school.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald reported that Van Rootselaar died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the school. Six victims were found inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, including one female teacher, three female students, and two male students aged 13 to 17. Most were located in the school library, with one discovered in a stairwell.
Investigators later found the bodies of Van Rootselaar’s mother, 39-year-old Jennifer Strang, and his 11-year-old stepbrother at a nearby residence believed to be linked to the shooting.
In total, 10 people were killed, including the suspect. Two individuals were airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries, while around 25 others received treatment for non-critical injuries. One victim died while being transported.
RCMP officers responded to reports of an active shooter around 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, prompting emergency alerts and lockdowns at Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Elementary schools. The alert was lifted at 5:46 p.m., and both schools will remain closed for the remainder of the week, according to School District 59.
Van Rootselaar had previously attended the secondary school but dropped out about four years ago. Authorities have not confirmed how he gained access during school hours. Police noted prior responses to the family residence over mental health concerns, including assessments under British Columbia’s Mental Health Act. Firearms had also been seized from the home roughly two years ago but were later returned to their lawful owner. Investigators recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the school.
Officials have not disclosed a motive and emphasized the investigation is ongoing. “It is too early to determine what factors may have contributed to this attack,” McDonald said.
BC Emergency Health Services and Alberta-based STARS Air Ambulance assisted in responding to the incident.
In a statement, the District of Tumbler Ridge described the events as “deeply distressing,” offering condolences to victims’ families and emphasizing support for the community. Authorities continue to focus on assisting survivors and understanding the full circumstances of one of the deadliest attacks in the region’s history.