Tumbler Ridge, B.C., is mourning after a mass shooting that left eight people dead and about 25 injured. Police say the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, died after turning the gun on herself. The attack unfolded at a residence and at the local secondary school, shaking the small northern community.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit Tumbler Ridge, with details to be set in consultation with local officials.
What investigators say happened
Police have described two key scenes. Two victims were found at a home, and six more were shot at the school. Authorities say the suspect later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The motive has not been made public. The RCMP says the investigation is continuing, including witness interviews and the collection of digital and physical evidence.
RCMP focuses on the why
Investigators say they have learned more about the suspect’s background, including prior interactions with police linked to mental health concerns. They have not said what triggered the violence.
Former homicide detective Mark Mendelson, speaking on CTV, said police will be looking closely at the suspect’s online activity and relationships. He said that can include search warrants and requests for records tied to social media and communications.
Carney plans a visit as leaders respond
The Prime Minister’s Office says Mark Carney will travel to Tumbler Ridge “in the near future,” with timing based on what the community needs first. Carney has also urged respect for Canadian sovereignty as the country navigates a tense moment internationally.
B.C. Premier David Eby visited the town and said his government is working with the RCMP and Northern Health to understand what contacts may have occurred before the shootings.
A community trying to process the loss
The MLA for the area, Larry Neufeld, said residents are “numb” and still struggling to absorb what happened. He said the priority now is making sure people can access supports as the town grieves.
Vigils have been held across the province, including at the B.C. legislature in Victoria.
Victims begin to be identified
Police have confirmed the suspect’s mother and younger sibling were among the victims found at the home. Media reports have identified them as Jennifer Strang and 11-year-old Emmett Strang, though police have not publicly released their names.
At the school, victims include students and a teacher. One family has identified 12-year-old Kylie May Smith as among those killed, describing her as a child who loved art and anime.
Officials warn against scapegoating after online claims
In the wake of the shooting, advocates and experts have warned against using the suspect’s reported gender identity to target transgender people as a group. They say online narratives can spread quickly after high-profile attacks and risk fueling harassment.
They also point to data indicating that mass shootings attributed to trans perpetrators are extremely rare, despite viral claims that suggest otherwise.
What happens next
The RCMP investigation is expected to continue for weeks, as officers work to establish a clear timeline and identify any warning signs that were missed. Officials have not said when more details will be released.
For Tumbler Ridge, the focus is now on supporting survivors, grieving families, and a school community forced to confront a level of violence that remains deeply uncommon in Canada.
