Eight dead in Canada school shooting in Tumbler Ridge; attacker dies
Eight dead in Canada school shooting in Tumbler Ridge; attacker dies
Canada reels after an 18-year-old gunman killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge, BC, then died by suicide; investigators probe motive and the suspect’s history.
Canada is confronting one of the gravest acts of school violence in its recent history after an 18-year-old carried out a coordinated attack in the small British Columbia community of Tumbler Ridge, killing eight people before dying by suicide. The toll was later revised to nine, including the attacker, as authorities corrected an earlier miscount.
The suspect, identified by authorities as Jesse van Rootselaar, 18, had a documented history of mental health interventions and prior contact with law enforcement. Police publicly named the attacker and noted that van Rootselaar had previously attended Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, but left the institution four years ago. Officials also said van Rootselaar was born biologically male and began identifying as female roughly six years earlier.
The attack unfolded across two locations, beginning inside a private residence and ending at the local high school. By mid-afternoon, investigators confirmed the incident was over and the casualties included the attacker. The remote town, with about 2,400 residents, has been left reeling as Canada confronts a rare and deadly act of school violence.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald outlined the suspect’s prior interactions with authorities, including mental health interventions and earlier police contact. Investigators have said the motive remains unclear, and many questions about the incident are still under review.
Officials and community leaders emphasized support for those affected and for a town left grappling with fear and grief. The shootings have sparked renewed discussions about school safety, mental health resources, and how communities respond to sudden, irreversible violence.
