Tragic Shooting in Tumbler Ridge: Eight Dead, Including Suspect

A shooting happened in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Tuesday. Eight people died, including the young person who did the shooting. Many others were hurt. Police are still trying to understand why this happened.
By Newsroom | Crime, Canada |

Initial Reports Detail Tragedy in Remote Community

On Tuesday, a day of profound violence unfolded in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Police received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1:30 PM local time. Within minutes, officers arrived on the scene, encountering gunfire. The events that followed resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, extending to a nearby residence.

The incident has claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the suspected perpetrator, and left approximately 25 others with injuries.

Timeline and Initial Response

The sequence of events began when authorities were alerted to an active shooter situation at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were dispatched and arrived at the location swiftly, reportedly within two minutes of the initial call. Upon arrival, they heard gunfire and entered the school. Simultaneously, or shortly thereafter, deaths were also discovered at a private residence.

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Police identify 18-year-old as suspect in Tumbler Ridge shooting - 1

The rapid police response aimed to neutralize the threat amid ongoing gunfire.

Victim Identification and Fatalities

The tragic events at Tumbler Ridge resulted in a total of eight confirmed deaths. These included:

  • At Tumbler Ridge Secondary School:

  • A 39-year-old female educator.

  • Three 12-year-old female students.

  • A 12-year-old male student.

  • A 13-year-old male student.

  • At a private residence:

  • The 39-year-old mother of the suspect.

  • The 11-year-old step-brother of the suspect.

The deceased individuals at the school comprised a mix of students and an educator, while the fatalities at the residence were relatives of the identified suspect.

Police identify 18-year-old as suspect in Tumbler Ridge shooting - 2

Suspect Identified

Authorities have identified the perpetrator as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old resident of Tumbler Ridge. Police stated that Van Rootselaar was found deceased at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot injury. Van Rootselaar had reportedly dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years prior. Reports also indicate that Van Rootselaar was born biologically male but identified as a woman.

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The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was known to police, with prior attendances at the family residence for mental health concerns.

Previous Police Interactions and Mental Health Concerns

Evidence suggests that police had prior interactions with the suspect concerning mental health. Officers had attended the family residence on multiple occasions over several years. In one instance, approximately two years before the incident, firearms were seized from the residence. Van Rootselaar had also been apprehended on different occasions for assessment and follow-up under mental health laws.

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The suspect's history of mental health engagement with law enforcement raises questions about prior interventions and their effectiveness.

Weapons Involved

Two firearms were recovered at the scene by authorities: a long gun and a modified handgun. These weapons were found in connection with the incident.

The presence of multiple firearms, including a modified handgun, suggests a degree of premeditation.

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Police identify 18-year-old as suspect in Tumbler Ridge shooting - 4

Motive Remains Unclear

As of the latest reports, investigators have stated that the motive behind the mass shooting remains unknown. Police have not commented on any potential relationship between the suspect and the victims at the school.

The absence of a declared motive leaves a significant gap in understanding the catalyst for these tragic events.

Community Impact and Official Response

The incident has profoundly affected the close-knit community of Tumbler Ridge. Local officials, including the Mayor, have expressed their grief and urged the community to support one another. The Canadian Prime Minister has ordered flags on government buildings to be flown at half-mast for seven days as a mark of respect. Counseling services have been made available to the community.

The community is grappling with widespread grief, with national and local leaders offering support and measures for remembrance.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Tumbler Ridge?
A shooting took place at a school and a house. Eight people died, and many others were injured.
Q: Who was the shooter?
The person who did the shooting was an 18-year-old named Jesse Van Rootselaar. They died at the scene.
Q: How many people died?
Sadly, eight people lost their lives in the shooting. This includes the suspect.
Q: Were children hurt?
Yes, several young students died in the school. Others were injured.
Q: Why did this happen?
Police are still looking into why the shooting happened. They have not found a reason yet.