Tumbler Ridge Shooting: School & Home Attack Leaves 8 Dead | Canada News
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia is in mourning after an 18-year-old former student, Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed eight people and then herself in a series of shootings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The attacks began at a home in the rural community before continuing at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Van Rootselaar shot and killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old half-brother at their residence, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). She then travelled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she fatally shot five students and one teacher before taking her own life. The victims included three 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy, a 13-year-old boy, and a 39-year-old female teacher.
The RCMP identified Van Rootselaar as the shooter on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that Van Rootselaar “was born a biological male … who approximately six years ago began to transition to female, and identified as female.” McDonald added that it was “too early to say” if there was any correlation between Van Rootselaar’s gender identity and the shooting.
Police had previously visited the family home on multiple occasions in the years leading up to the tragedy due to concerns about Van Rootselaar’s mental health, McDonald said. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the shootings and have not found any note left by the shooter. McDonald stated that investigators do not believe Van Rootselaar was specifically targeting anyone at the school.
Justin Van Rootselaar, the shooter’s estranged father, released a statement through CBC offering his condolences. “As the biological father of the individual responsible, I carry a sorrow that is difficult to put into words,” the statement read.
The town of Tumbler Ridge, population 2400, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Residents have described the community as close-knit, and expressed hope that their relationships will help them cope with the aftermath. Pastor George Rowe stated, “This will not break us. I think we’re going to be okay.”
Sarah Lampert, the mother of 12-year-old victim Ticaria, spoke to the media, saying her daughter had “a beautiful, strong voice that was silenced.” The family of 12-year-old Zoey Benoit described her as “resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet.” Peter Schofield posted on Facebook about his 13-year-old grandson Ezekiel, saying, “Everything feels so surreal. The tears just retain flowing.”
Prime Minister Justin Carney made an emotional address to Parliament following the shootings, describing Tumbler Ridge as a town representing “the very best of Canada: resilient, compassionate and strong.” Carney had cancelled his planned attendance at the Munich Security Conference to address the situation. He is scheduled to speak at a vigil for the victims on Saturday outside the town hall.