Tumbler Ridge, a small mining town in northeastern British Columbia, is grappling with profound sorrow following a school shooting that claimed the lives of nine individuals, including the shooter. The community is now coming to terms with an unimaginable loss as details surrounding the tragic event emerge.
The Incident Unfolds
On Tuesday, the quiet town was shattered by violence when an 18-year-old local resident, Jesse Van Rootselaar, opened fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald revealed during a press briefing that police had previously visited Van Rootselaar’s home multiple times due to mental health concerns.
Authorities have since revised the initial death toll from ten to nine, confirming that the victims included five students and a teacher, along with the shooter’s mother and younger stepbrother. The quick response of law enforcement, who arrived just two minutes after receiving reports of an active shooter, led to the recovery of a long gun and a modified handgun at the scene. McDonald stated that, at this stage, there is no evidence suggesting that any specific individuals were targeted.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has left the community in deep anguish, with MLA Larry Neufeld describing the devastation as indescribable. “There’s not a word in the English language that is strong enough to describe the level of devastation,” he expressed after visiting Tumbler Ridge.
In a poignant display of solidarity, several hundred residents gathered for a vigil, laying flowers at a spruce tree close to the school. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as community members came together to honour the lives lost and support one another in this time of tragedy.
Victims Identified
While the RCMP have not yet released the names of the deceased, it has been confirmed that the victims include a 39-year-old female educator, three female students aged 12, and two male students aged 12 and 13. Most of the casualties were found in the school library. Additionally, the bodies of Van Rootselaar’s mother and stepbrother were discovered at their family home, where police believe the shooting may have initially occurred.
Among the injured is 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who remains in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head and neck. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, expressed her despair on social media, stating, “This doesn’t even feel real.” An online fundraiser for Gebala has already raised over £100,000 as the community rallies to support her recovery.
Understanding the Shooter
Jesse Van Rootselaar has been described by friends and family as a troubled teenager who had previously sought psychiatric treatment. Living in an environment where firearms were accessible, he had not attended school for four years.
The shooter, who began transitioning to female six years ago, has become the subject of speculation regarding their gender identity, a narrative that has been inaccurately amplified on social media. Deputy Commissioner McDonald clarified that law enforcement believes the shooter acted independently and that the motive remains unclear.
A National Response
Prime Minister Mark Carney, visibly shaken, conveyed the nation’s condolences, declaring, “The nation mourns with you. Canada stands by you.” In the wake of the tragedy, he has ordered flags to fly at half-mast for a week and cancelled his trip to an international security conference in Munich to focus on supporting Tumbler Ridge.
Following a moment of silence in the House of Commons, federal leaders expressed their sympathy and offered assistance to the grieving community. Messages of shock and condolences have also poured in from international figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and King Charles III, who extended his “deepest possible sympathy” to the victims’ families.
Why it Matters
The Tumbler Ridge shooting not only highlights the urgent need for mental health support and intervention but also raises critical questions about gun access and safety in communities. As grieving families begin to process their unimaginable loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of fostering a supportive environment to prevent such tragedies in the future. The community’s resilience in the face of this crisis will be crucial as they navigate the path to healing.
