TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The suspect in a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which left nine people dead and at least 25 others wounded, has been identified.
In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, BC RCMP commanding officer, told reporters police — who were met with gunfire upon arrival at the scene — identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident. Officers found Van Rootselaar dead inside the school from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators believe the shooter acted alone. The motive remains under review.
Two firearms — a long gun and a modified handgun — were recovered by responding officers.
“Determining the origin of these firearms and the role that they played in the shooting remains a significant part of the active investigation,” McDonald added, saying more details will be released when possible.
“I can say she had a license that had expired and did not have any firearms registered to her.”
McDonald said six people were found dead in the school: one female teacher and five students — three girls and two boys between the ages of 13 and 17. Two more victims, Jesse’s mother and younger brother, were later found deceased at a nearby residence.
At least 25 others suffered injuries. Two were airlifted to hospitals with serious or life-threatening conditions, while others were treated and triaged at the local health centre for non-critical injuries.
“We do believe the suspect acted alone,” McDonald said. “And there are currently no other outstanding suspects.”
He added investigators remain on scene to determine the full circumstances of what transpired.
“BC Major Crime Unit … is working to determine the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” he said. “There has been much speculation throughout the community regarding the relationship between the shooter and some of the victims — all that remains part of the active (and) ongoing investigation and we are not in position to publicly confirm any specifics at this time.”
Following several hours of lockdown, McDonald said the 100 students and faculty were safely evacuated by RCMP to the local community centre.
The RCMP Major Crime Section has taken over the investigation. Additional emergency crews and victim services from neighbouring detachments are assisting on scene.
“Anyone in the community who needs support are asked to go to the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre,” McDonald said. “We understand the community has questions and we understand they want to the motive behind this tragic incident.
“This is a deeply distressing incident,” he continued, “where nine individuals have senselessly lost their lives. Thoughts for the families, their loved ones, the first responders and the greater Tumbler Ridge community and all of those impacted by this tragedy.”
During the press conference, McDonald said RCMP had a history of attending the family residence, with some calls relating to mental health issues.
“Police had attended the residence on multiple occasions over the past several years dealing with concerns of mental health in respect to the suspect,” he said. “I can say that on different occasions the suspect was apprehended for assessment.”
When asked whether Jesse was actively receiving mental health care, McDonald said that was unknown.
He also said police attended the same residence a couple of years ago regarding firearms removal.
“I can say that at a later point in time, the lawful owner of those firearms petitioned for those firearms to be returned and they were.”
McDonald also addressed a question regarding Jesse’s sexual orientation, stating RCMP are identifying Jesse as she wished to be referred to publicly and on social media.
“I can say Jesse was born as a biological male, who approximately six years ago began to transition to female,” he said. “And identified as female both socially and publicly.”
The shooting ranks among the deadliest in recent Canadian history and has reignited national discussion around public safety and gun violence.
Police have not yet released specifics on how the shooter obtained the weapons or whether there was a connection between Van Rootselaar and the victims.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary, which serves Grades 7 to 12, will remain closed for the rest of the week, as does Tumbler Ridge Elementary.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
