Jesse van Rootselaer
The following information summarizes the details provided by official reports from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and major news outlets.
The Incident at Tumbler Ridge
According to the RCMP, the violence began at a private residence before moving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities report that Jesse van Rootselaar killed two family members—her mother and an 11-year-old stepbrother—before traveling to the school.
At the secondary school, van Rootselaar reportedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of six additional victims:
- One female educator (aged 39).
- Five students (three girls and two boys, aged 12 to 13).
Police arrived on the scene within two minutes of the initial call and were met with active gunfire. Upon entering the building, officers discovered van Rootselaar deceased from a self-inflicted injury. More than 25 others were injured during the attack.
Background and Identification
The RCMP and news organizations have provided specific background details regarding van Rootselaar’s identity and history:
- Age and Status: She was 18 years old at the time of the incident and was a former student of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, having dropped out approximately four years ago.
- Gender Identity: RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that van Rootselaar was assigned male at birth and began transitioning to female approximately six years ago, identifying as female both publicly and socially.
- Mental Health History: Police confirmed a history of contact with van Rootselaar regarding mental health concerns. Records indicate that authorities had been to the family residence on multiple occasions in the years leading up to the shooting, including assessments under the Mental Health Act.
- Firearms: Two weapons—a long gun and a modified handgun—were recovered at the scene. While van Rootselaar reportedly held a firearms license in the past, it had expired in 2024, and no weapons were currently registered to her name.
Current Status of the Investigation
As of February 12, 2026, the investigation led by the BC RCMP Major Crime unit is ongoing. Key areas of focus include:
- Motive: Authorities have stated that the motive for the attack remains unclear and it is too early to speculate on the specific triggers for the tragedy.
- Weapon Origin: Investigators are working to determine how the firearms were obtained and whether they were the same weapons previously seized by police in past years and later returned to their lawful owner.
- Community Impact: The community of Tumbler Ridge, a town of approximately 2,400 residents, remains in a state of mourning. Prime Minister Mark Carney and other officials have expressed condolences and addressed the “unheard of cruelty” witnessed during the event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who were the victims of the Tumbler Ridge shooting? A: The deceased victims include van Rootselaar’s 39-year-old mother, her 11-year-old stepbrother, a 39-year-old teacher, and five students between the ages of 12 and 13.
Q: Did the shooter act alone? A: Yes, the RCMP has stated they believe Jesse van Rootselaar acted alone and there are no other suspects at large.
Q: What is the current condition of the injured? A: Approximately 25 people were assessed for non-life-threatening injuries, while two female victims (aged 12 and 19) were airlifted to the hospital and remain in serious condition as of the latest updates.
The following information summarizes the details provided by official reports from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and major news outlets.
The Incident at Tumbler Ridge
According to the RCMP, the violence began at a private residence before moving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities report that Jesse van Rootselaar killed two family members—her mother and an 11-year-old stepbrother—before traveling to the school.
At the secondary school, van Rootselaar reportedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of six additional victims:
- One female educator (aged 39).
- Five students (three girls and two boys, aged 12 to 13).
Police arrived on the scene within two minutes of the initial call and were met with active gunfire. Upon entering the building, officers discovered van Rootselaar deceased from a self-inflicted injury. More than 25 others were injured during the attack.
Background and Identification
The RCMP and news organizations have provided specific background details regarding van Rootselaar’s identity and history:
- Age and Status: She was 18 years old at the time of the incident and was a former student of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, having dropped out approximately four years ago.
- Gender Identity: RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that van Rootselaar was assigned male at birth and began transitioning to female approximately six years ago, identifying as female both publicly and socially.
- Mental Health History: Police confirmed a history of contact with van Rootselaar regarding mental health concerns. Records indicate that authorities had been to the family residence on multiple occasions in the years leading up to the shooting, including assessments under the Mental Health Act.
- Firearms: Two weapons—a long gun and a modified handgun—were recovered at the scene. While van Rootselaar reportedly held a firearms license in the past, it had expired in 2024, and no weapons were currently registered to her name.
Current Status of the Investigation
As of February 12, 2026, the investigation led by the BC RCMP Major Crime unit is ongoing. Key areas of focus include:
- Motive: Authorities have stated that the motive for the attack remains unclear and it is too early to speculate on the specific triggers for the tragedy.
- Weapon Origin: Investigators are working to determine how the firearms were obtained and whether they were the same weapons previously seized by police in past years and later returned to their lawful owner.
- Community Impact: The community of Tumbler Ridge, a town of approximately 2,400 residents, remains in a state of mourning. Prime Minister Mark Carney and other officials have expressed condolences and addressed the “unheard of cruelty” witnessed during the event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who were the victims of the Tumbler Ridge shooting? A: The deceased victims include van Rootselaar’s 39-year-old mother, her 11-year-old stepbrother, a 39-year-old teacher, and five students between the ages of 12 and 13.
Q: Did the shooter act alone? A: Yes, the RCMP has stated they believe Jesse van Rootselaar acted alone and there are no other suspects at large.
Q: What is the current condition of the injured? A: Approximately 25 people were assessed for non-life-threatening injuries, while two female victims (aged 12 and 19) were airlifted to the hospital and remain in serious condition as of the latest updates.
esse van Rootselaar has emerged in international headlines following a tragic mass shooting in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10, 2026. This incident is currently cited as one of Canada’s deadliest mass killings in recent years.
The following information summarizes the details provided by official reports from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and major news outlets.
The Incident at Tumbler Ridge
According to the RCMP, the violence began at a private residence before moving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities report that Jesse van Rootselaar killed two family members—her mother and an 11-year-old stepbrother—before traveling to the school.
At the secondary school, van Rootselaar reportedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of six additional victims:
- One female educator (aged 39).
- Five students (three girls and two boys, aged 12 to 13).
Police arrived on the scene within two minutes of the initial call and were met with active gunfire. Upon entering the building, officers discovered van Rootselaar deceased from a self-inflicted injury. More than 25 others were injured during the attack.
Background and Identification
The RCMP and news organizations have provided specific background details regarding van Rootselaar’s identity and history:
- Age and Status: She was 18 years old at the time of the incident and was a former student of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, having dropped out approximately four years ago.
- Gender Identity: RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that van Rootselaar was assigned male at birth and began transitioning to female approximately six years ago, identifying as female both publicly and socially.
- Mental Health History: Police confirmed a history of contact with van Rootselaar regarding mental health concerns. Records indicate that authorities had been to the family residence on multiple occasions in the years leading up to the shooting, including assessments under the Mental Health Act.
- Firearms: Two weapons—a long gun and a modified handgun—were recovered at the scene. While van Rootselaar reportedly held a firearms license in the past, it had expired in 2024, and no weapons were currently registered to her name.
Current Status of the Investigation
As of February 12, 2026, the investigation led by the BC RCMP Major Crime unit is ongoing. Key areas of focus include:
- Motive: Authorities have stated that the motive for the attack remains unclear and it is too early to speculate on the specific triggers for the tragedy.
- Weapon Origin: Investigators are working to determine how the firearms were obtained and whether they were the same weapons previously seized by police in past years and later returned to their lawful owner.
- Community Impact: The community of Tumbler Ridge, a town of approximately 2,400 residents, remains in a state of mourning. Prime Minister Mark Carney and other officials have expressed condolences and addressed the “unheard of cruelty” witnessed during the event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who were the victims of the Tumbler Ridge shooting? A: The deceased victims include van Rootselaar’s 39-year-old mother, her 11-year-old stepbrother, a 39-year-old teacher, and five students between the ages of 12 and 13.
Q: Did the shooter act alone? A: Yes, the RCMP has stated they believe Jesse van Rootselaar acted alone and there are no other suspects at large.
Q: What is the current condition of the injured? A: Approximately 25 people were assessed for non-life-threatening injuries, while two female victims (aged 12 and 19) were airlifted to the hospital and remain in serious condition as of the latest updates.
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Last modified: February 13, 2026
