An 18-year-old has been identified as the suspect behind a deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left eight people dead and many others injured.
Authorities confirmed the suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, while the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
The tragedy began at a family home, where two people — the suspect’s mother, 39, and step-brother, 11 — were found dead. Van Rootselaar then traveled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six more victims were killed and at least 25 others injured, police said.
Dwayne McDonald, deputy commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), explained that Van Rootselaar was born biologically male but had begun transitioning to female approximately six years ago.
"The shooting at the nearby home occurred first, then the suspect went to the school," McDonald said.
The victims at the school included a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. Authorities have stated there are no other suspects involved in the incident.
Police said they had visited Van Rootselaar’s family home multiple times over the years, often responding to calls related to mental health concerns. Van Rootselaar had previously held a valid gun licence, which has since expired, and had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years ago.
The shooting at the school was reported around 13:30 local time (20:30 GMT) on Tuesday. Officers arrived at the scene within two minutes, immediately encountering gunfire before entering the building. They found the suspect deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Authorities recovered two firearms at the scene — a long gun and a modified handgun — though it remains unclear how each was used during the attack. Two victims were airlifted to hospital and continue to receive treatment.
Tumbler Ridge, a small town with about 2,400 residents, has one secondary school serving 160 students in Grades 7 to 12.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the scene as horrific, saying the students and teachers "bore witness to unheard of cruelty," with some victims still "fighting for their lives" in hospital.
Speaking to CBC, Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka highlighted the close-knit nature of the community. "I will know every victim. I've been here 19 years, and we're a small community," he said. "I don't call them residents. I call them family."
