Canadian authorities have publicly identified the suspect in one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings in years, naming 18‑year‑old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the person believed to be responsible for a violent rampage in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
The incident, which unfolded on February 10, 2026, left at least nine people dead and more than two dozen others wounded before the suspect died by a self‑inflicted injury at the scene, police confirmed.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Van Rootselaar first killed two family members — her 39‑year‑old mother and 11‑year‑old stepbrother — at a nearby home before driving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where the majority of the casualties occurred.
At the school, victims included a 39‑year‑old teacher and multiple students between the ages of 12 and 13. Police arrived shortly after the attack began and found Van Rootselaar deceased inside the building.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the RCMP said that officers had previous contact with the suspect’s home on several occasions for mental health‑related issues, but he stressed that a motive for the shooting has not been determined.
Two firearms — a long gun and a modified handgun — were recovered by investigators as part of the ongoing inquiry into how the attack was carried out. Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation following the tragedy, describing it as a “terrible and heartbreaking event” and ordering flags to be flown at half‑staff.
He urged Canadians to come together in mourning and support the families affected by the violence. The community of Tumbler Ridge, with a population of around 2,400 people, has been left deeply shaken by the attack, prompting local schools to remain closed and support services to be mobilized for students and residents.
As investigations continue, Canadian officials said they are focusing on understanding the sequence of events that led to the shooting and the factors that may have contributed to it. The tragedy has reignited conversations about public safety, mental health resources, and community support in rural areas, as Canadian society seeks answers in the wake of this devastating loss.
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