Mass
shooting in Tumbler Ridge left nine dead and over 25 injured; RCMP confirm
suspect identity as investigation into motive continues.
RCMP officials provide updates following the Tumbler Ridge school shooting investigation.
TUMBLER
RIDGE, Canada.—Authorities have identified the suspect in a deadly shooting
that struck the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The attack
unfolded at a private residence and later at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School,
leaving multiple victims dead and more than two dozen injured. Police say the
suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was confirmed during a press
conference on February 11, 2026. Investigators are continuing to examine the
motive and sequence of events.
RCMP
Confirms Suspect Identity After Initial Misreporting
The Royal
Canadian Mounted Police confirmed during a February 11 press briefing that
Jesse Van Rootselaar was the individual responsible for the shooting. Deputy
Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that earlier circulating reports naming
another individual were incorrect and clarified that the identity released
during the press conference reflects official confirmation.
Police
said the suspect was found deceased following the rampage. Authorities have not
released additional details regarding the manner of death beyond confirming
that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Law
enforcement officials emphasized that misinformation spread rapidly in the
immediate aftermath of the shooting, particularly on social media platforms.
The RCMP urged the public to rely on verified updates provided during official
briefings as the investigation progresses.
Timeline
of the Attack in Tumbler Ridge
According
to police statements, the violence began at a residential property in Tumbler
Ridge before extending to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Officers responded
after receiving emergency calls reporting gunfire.
At the
school, multiple victims were struck. Emergency medical services transported
injured individuals to nearby hospitals, with some patients requiring urgent
care. One individual died en route to medical treatment.
Authorities
have not publicly detailed the type of firearm used or how it was obtained.
Investigators continue to reconstruct the timeline using surveillance footage,
witness statements, and forensic analysis.
The
school and surrounding areas were secured shortly after the suspect was
located.
Casualties
and Community Impact
Police
confirmed that nine individuals died in total, including victims at both the
residence and the school. More than 25 others sustained injuries, some of them
serious.
Tumbler
Ridge, a community of approximately 2,000 residents in northeastern British
Columbia, has been described by local officials as “close-knit.” The scale of
the tragedy has deeply affected families, students, and educators across the
region.
Grief
counseling services have been deployed, and schools in the area temporarily
suspended classes to allow students and staff time to process the events.
Local
leaders have called for unity and patience as investigators work to clarify
unanswered questions.
Mental
Health Context and Prior Police Interactions
During
the press conference, Deputy Commissioner McDonald stated that the suspect’s
family home had previously been visited for mental health-related checks.
Authorities did not elaborate on the frequency or outcomes of those visits but
confirmed that prior interactions had occurred.
Police
also addressed questions about the suspect’s gender identity, noting that Van
Rootselaar had identified as female and that officials would respect the
identity the individual chose publicly. Authorities stressed that the
investigation remains focused on determining motive and circumstances, rather
than personal characteristics.
No
official motive has been identified at this stage. Investigators described the
inquiry as active and ongoing.
Investigation
Into Motive Remains Ongoing
RCMP
officials stated they are “passionately pursuing” an understanding of what led
to the attack. Digital evidence, communications, and personal records are being
reviewed as part of the investigative process.
Authorities
have not indicated whether the shooting was targeted or random. They also have
not confirmed whether victims were known to the suspect.
Law
enforcement agencies from across British Columbia are assisting the
investigation. Officials emphasized that determining motive can take time and
cautioned against speculation.
Provincial
and National Response
Canadian
federal and provincial leaders expressed condolences to the families of the
victims and the broader community. Officials pledged support resources for
those affected and committed to cooperating fully with the ongoing
investigation.
Flags
were lowered in observance of the lives lost, and public statements highlighted
the need for compassion and factual reporting as the situation continues to
develop.
Community
vigils are expected in the coming days, though local authorities have urged
gatherings to remain peaceful and respectful.
Broader
Questions Around School Safety
The
attack has renewed conversations about school safety protocols in smaller
Canadian communities. While Canada experiences fewer mass shootings compared to
some other countries, incidents of this magnitude often prompt review of
security measures and emergency response procedures.
Education
officials have indicated that a review of safety protocols will be conducted
once the immediate crisis response concludes.
Authorities
have reiterated that there is no ongoing risk to the public and that schools in
the region will reopen following coordination with law enforcement and mental
health professionals.
By Daniel Harrington | CRNTimes.com | Ottawa