The small community of Tumbler Ridge, B. C., is reeling after a mass shooting that claimed the lives of nine people on February 11, 2026. The suspect has been identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a transgender woman who police say began transitioning six years ago.
According to reports, Van Rootselaar first killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother at their residence before proceeding to the local secondary school. There, she fatally shot a 39-year-old female teacher, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. The majority of the victims were found in the school library. Van Rootselaar died from a self-inflicted wound at the scene.
Authorities have stated that they had attended the Van Rootselaar residence in the past due to calls related to mental health issues. Van Rootselaar had withdrawn from formal education four years prior and was not currently enrolled at the school.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has ordered flags at all government buildings to be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims. Parliament also held a moment of silence. The RCMP is continuing its investigation into the horrific event, which has become one of the deadliest school shootings in Canada's history.
