Teenager Allegedly Used Roblox Game in Canada Shooting

In Tumbler Ridge, Canada, an 18-year-old is accused of carrying out a shooting that killed eight people. Police found a Roblox game that may have been used to simulate the attack. The investigation is ongoing.
By Newsroom | Canada, Crime |

Investigation into Tumbler Ridge Shooting Reveals Online Game Connections

On February 11, 2026, an 18-year-old identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar allegedly carried out a violent attack in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. The incident resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including Van Rootselaar. Initial reports indicate the victims comprised two relatives at a residence and six individuals at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where Van Rootselaar was a former student.

In the aftermath of the killings, investigators reportedly discovered a Roblox game, described as a "Mall Massacre Simulator," which the shooter may have used. This discovery brings to light concerning trends of violent simulation within online gaming platforms and their potential, albeit indirect, links to real-world atrocities.

Canadian Mass Shooter's Roblox 'Mall Massacre Simulator' Discovered in the Aftermath of Horrific Killing Spree - 1

The attack occurred in two phases:

  • First, two relatives were killed at a private residence. These victims were later identified as Van Rootselaar's mother, aged 39, and an 11-year-old step-brother.

  • Second, Van Rootselaar allegedly proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where five students and a teacher were killed.

  • The perpetrator, Jesse Van Rootselaar, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school.

Read More: Shooting in Tumbler Ridge: 18-Year-Old Suspect Dies, 9 Others Killed

Police also noted that Van Rootselaar had a history of mental health issues, with authorities responding to the residence multiple times for such concerns. Firearms were seized from the home during previous interactions, though they were later returned to the lawful owner after a petition.

Details of the Tumbler Ridge Incident

The shooting unfolded on Tuesday, February 11, 2026. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provided key details regarding the victims and the perpetrator.

Canadian Mass Shooter's Roblox 'Mall Massacre Simulator' Discovered in the Aftermath of Horrific Killing Spree - 2

  • Victims at Residence: The initial victims were Van Rootselaar's 39-year-old mother and his 11-year-old step-brother.

  • Victims at School: At Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, an adult female educator (39 years old), two male students (aged 12 and 13), and three female students (all aged 12) were killed.

  • Perpetrator's Identity and Background: Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old resident of Tumbler Ridge, had attended the school but dropped out approximately four years prior. Police confirmed Van Rootselaar was born biologically male and had been transitioning to female for about six years.

  • Weapons Recovered: A long gun and a modified handgun were recovered from the school premises.

  • Motive: As of the latest reports, investigators have not determined a clear motive for the attacks. No note or other communication from the shooter has been found.

Roblox Game Discovery

Following the shooting, reports emerged of a Roblox game titled "Mall Massacre Simulator" allegedly created or used by the perpetrator.

Read More: Texas Case: First Federal Terrorism Charges Against Antifa Supporters

  • This discovery aligns with patterns observed in online communities fascinated with true crime, where recreations of real-world violent events have been found on platforms like Roblox.

  • These types of games have been noted by researchers and platform moderators as a recurring challenge for content moderation, with new instances appearing even after existing ones are removed.

  • The ADL has documented groups within the "True Crime Community" (TCC) that use Roblox to create content, sometimes glorifying perpetrators of mass violence.

Official Statements and Reactions

Canadian authorities have been the primary source of information regarding the incident.

Canadian Mass Shooter's Roblox 'Mall Massacre Simulator' Discovered in the Aftermath of Horrific Killing Spree - 3

"Authorities still have no idea of the motive in Tuesday's mass shooting… Police had responded to Van Rootselaar’s home several times in recent years for mental health-related calls." - RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald

"Police recovered a long gun and a modified handgun from the school… Police believed that Van Rootselaar had acted alone, and that they had not found a note or other communication from the shooter." - RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd

Read More: New Train Plan for Ottawa and Montreal Faces Some Problems

The incident has drawn international condolences from leaders including the Prime Ministers of Australia, New Zealand, the UK, India, and Croatia, as well as the Presidents of France and Ukraine, among others.

Historical Context and Gun Control

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is significant within the context of Canadian mass violence.

Canadian Mass Shooter's Roblox 'Mall Massacre Simulator' Discovered in the Aftermath of Horrific Killing Spree - 4

  • It is reportedly the deadliest school shooting in Canada since the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre.

  • It is also noted as the deadliest mass shooting in Canada since the 2020 Nova Scotia attacks.

  • Canada has implemented stricter gun control measures in the past, notably following the 1989 Montreal massacre with the Firearms Act of 1995, and further enhanced with bans on certain "assault-style" firearms after the 2020 Nova Scotia attacks.

Evidence of Online Activity

While direct links are under investigation, the reported existence of the Roblox game raises questions.

Read More: ICE Agents Arrested After Claims of Bad Behavior and Crime

  • Reports from articles dated between 2021 and 2025 highlight recurring issues with mass shooting recreations appearing on Roblox.

  • These games are often part of larger online subcultures with an interest in real-world violent crimes.

  • The specific "Mall Massacre Simulator" linked to Van Rootselaar has not been officially confirmed by police as a direct factor in the planning or execution of the attack, but its discovery has prompted further inquiry.

Expert Analysis

The presence of violent simulations in gaming platforms and their potential association with real-world events has been a subject of ongoing study.

  • Groups focused on "true crime" often engage with content that can be disturbing, including the glorification of perpetrators.

  • The challenge for platforms like Roblox lies in effectively moderating content that skirts the boundaries of acceptable use while preventing harmful simulations from gaining traction.

  • Experts emphasize that while such games can provide an outlet for dark interests, the direct causal link between playing a violent game and committing a real-world act of violence is complex and rarely straightforward.

Conclusion and Implications

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is a tragic event with multiple facets under investigation.

Read More: Tragic Shooting in Tumbler Ridge: Eight Dead, Including Suspect

  • Immediate Findings: An 18-year-old, Jesse Van Rootselaar, is identified as the perpetrator, responsible for the deaths of seven individuals and himself. A history of mental health challenges and previous interactions with law enforcement regarding firearms are noted.

  • Online Dimension: The reported discovery of a violent simulation game on Roblox used by the perpetrator opens a new avenue of inquiry into the shooter's online activities and potential influences.

  • Societal Impact: The event underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence in Canada and the complex interplay between online digital spaces and real-world behavior. The investigation continues to explore the precise connection, if any, between the online game and the tragic events.

  • Next Steps: Law enforcement is expected to continue analyzing evidence, including digital forensics, to fully understand the shooter's state of mind and any potential motivations or influences that contributed to the attack.

Sources Used:

Read More: New Files Show Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew Stayed Friends with Epstein

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Tumbler Ridge?
An 18-year-old allegedly shot and killed eight people, including himself, at a home and a school.
Q: Was a game involved?
Police found a Roblox game called "Mall Massacre Simulator" that the shooter may have used.
Q: Were there warning signs?
Police had visited the shooter's home before for mental health reasons.
Q: What weapons were used?
A long gun and a modified handgun were found at the school.
Q: Is there a clear reason for the attack?
Police have not yet found a clear reason or motive for the shooting.