Canadian investigators have publicly named the 18-year-old suspect they say carried out a devastating series of shootings in the small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, an attack that left nine people dead, including the gunman.
Authorities confirmed Wednesday that Jesse van Rootselaar has been identified as the individual responsible for the violence on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Police say the suspect first went to a residence in Tumbler Ridge, where her mother and stepbrother were fatally shot. She then proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six more victims were killed.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect was later discovered inside the school with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury. First responders arriving at the scene pronounced her dead.
In addition to the nine fatalities, eight victims plus the shooter, at least 25 other people sustained injuries, The New York Times reported, citing officials.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated in a news release that officers received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time.
The six victims at the school were subsequently found deceased. An earlier version of official information indicated that 10 people had died; however, police later clarified that one student initially believed to have been killed remained in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon.
Twin Shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
The BBC reported that an emergency alert circulated locally on Tuesday described the suspect as a female wearing a dress with brown hair.
Investigators have not determined a motive. RCMP North District Commander Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd told reporters that authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to the attack.
He acknowledged that identifying a clear reason may prove difficult, but emphasized that investigators are committed to reconstructing the sequence of events and understanding what preceded the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge and the broader community.
The attack has deeply shaken the remote mining town in northeastern British Columbia. Previously described as one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history, the incident has had an outsized impact on the tight-knit community.
According to CBC, Tumbler Ridge Secondary School serves approximately 160 students in grades 7 through 12. Census data indicates the town’s total population is 2,399, underscoring how profoundly the violence has affected local residents.
Mayor Darryl Krakowka told the Associated Press that he was overwhelmed upon learning of the shooting, describing the event as devastating for the town. Having lived in Tumbler Ridge for 18 years, he said he likely knew every one of the victims personally.
