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

A sad event happened in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Tuesday. An 18-year-old suspect died after shooting at a school and a home. Nine other people were killed. Police are looking into why this happened.
By Newsroom | Canada, British Columbia |

Incident Unfolds with Multiple Fatalities and Injuries

On Tuesday, February 11, 2026, a violent incident occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Authorities responded to a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School around 1:30 PM local time. The situation extended to a nearby residence, where additional fatalities were discovered. The suspect, identified by police as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found deceased at the school from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This event marks one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada in recent history.

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Timeline of Events

  • Tuesday, February 11, 2026, approx. 1:30 PM local time: Police receive a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

  • Shortly after the school report: Authorities respond to a separate incident at a residence in Tumbler Ridge.

  • During the incident: The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, dies from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school.

  • Subsequently: Police confirm the identities of the victims and the suspect.

  • Following the incident: Investigations are initiated to determine motive and circumstances.

Identities and Casualties

The violence resulted in a total of nine confirmed fatalities, including the suspect.

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  • At Tumbler Ridge Secondary School:

  • One 39-year-old female educator.

  • Three female students, all aged 12.

  • Two male students, aged 12 and 13.

  • At a private residence:

  • The suspect's mother, aged 39.

  • The suspect's step-brother, aged 11.

Additionally, at least 25 other individuals sustained injuries, with some reported to be serious. Police officers arrived at the school within two minutes of receiving the report.

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The Suspect: Jesse Van Rootselaar

Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old resident of Tumbler Ridge, has been identified as the perpetrator. Records indicate Van Rootselaar had a prior connection to the school, having dropped out four years ago. Police stated that Van Rootselaar was born biologically male but identified publicly as a woman.

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History of Mental Health Concerns and Previous Police Encounters

Available information points to a history of mental health concerns associated with the suspect. Police had attended the family residence on multiple occasions over several years in response to mental health-related calls. In at least one prior instance within the past two years, firearms were seized from the residence under the Criminal Code. However, the lawful owner of those firearms later petitioned for their return, and they were subsequently reinstated. A police visit in the spring of the previous year was specifically over "concerns regarding mental health, self harm."

Weapons Recovered

Authorities recovered two firearms from the scene at the school:

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  • A long gun.

  • A modified handgun.

Neither weapon was registered to Van Rootselaar.

Motive Under Investigation

As of the latest reports, police have stated they are still investigating the motive behind the attack. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald indicated that they have not found a note or other communication from the shooter that would explain the actions. It is believed that Van Rootselaar acted alone.

Community Impact and Official Response

The remote rural community of Tumbler Ridge, with approximately 160 students in grades seven to 12 at the secondary school, has been profoundly affected. Mayor Darryl Krakowka expressed deep sorrow for the families impacted. International leaders and government officials offered condolences. Following the incident, both schools in Tumbler Ridge were closed for the remainder of the week.

Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Tumbler Ridge?
A shooting happened at a school and a house. Nine people died, including the suspect. Many others were hurt.
Q: Who was the suspect?
The suspect was an 18-year-old named Jesse Van Rootselaar. Police say he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Q: When did this happen?
The shooting happened on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, in the afternoon.
Q: Were there many victims?
Yes, sadly, nine people were killed. This includes students, a teacher, and family members of the suspect. More than 25 people were injured.
Q: What do police know about why it happened?
Police are still trying to find out why the shooting happened. They have not found a note or message from the suspect explaining his actions.