The small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is reeling after a mass shooting at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a connected residence on February 10, 2026. The tragic event resulted in the deaths of nine people, including the shooter, and left 27 others injured. The incident marks one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history and the deadliest since the Nova Scotia attacks in 2020.
RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter at the school around 1:20 p. m. MST. Upon arrival, officers were met with gunfire. Inside the school, they found the bodies of six victims: a 39-year-old female educator, three female students aged 12, and two male students aged 12 and 13. The shooter, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was also found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Earlier, Van Rootselaar had killed two relatives at a separate residence. The victims were identified as the suspect's mother and step-brother, aged 39 and 11 respectively.
The community is in mourning, with local officials expressing their shock and grief. "Today, our community experienced a deeply distressing incident," stated the District of Tumbler Ridge on Facebook. "Our hearts are with all those affected, and we recognize that many residents may be feeling shocked, scared, and overwhelmed". British Columbia's Minister of Public Safety, Nina Krieger, called the shooting "devastating" and pledged full support for the investigation. The Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and the town's elementary school will remain closed for the remainder of the week.
The RCMP is continuing its investigation into the incident, including the motive behind the shooting. According to RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, police had attended the family residence in the past, and firearms were seized a couple of years ago. The lawful owner of the firearms later petitioned for their return, and they were given back. The incident has sparked renewed conversations about gun control in Canada.
