Jesse Van Rootselaar: Understanding the Tumbler Ridge School Shooter

Jesse Van Rootselaar: The Life Behind the Tragedy

On February 10, 2026, the quiet town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was shaken by one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent Canadian history. The suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, claimed the lives of nine people, including her own, leaving a community reeling and a nation searching for answers.

Van Rootselaar, a former student of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, had dropped out several years before the attack. Reports indicate that she was born biologically male but had been identifying publicly as female for about six years. While this fact received media attention, officials emphasized that her gender identity was not linked to the motive of the attack, which remains officially unknown.

Early Life and Background

Jesse Van Rootselaar grew up in Tumbler Ridge, a small remote town of roughly 2,400 residents. She was reportedly known to local police due to mental health concerns, and officers had attended her home multiple times over the years. At least one intervention involved her being taken into care under the Mental Health Act for assessment. These interactions underscore the complex challenges communities face when addressing mental health issues, though authorities stress that no prior interactions indicated a clear threat of violence.

In addition to mental health concerns, Van Rootselaar had some history with firearms. She had previously held a firearms license, which expired in 2024, and did not legally own any guns at the time of the shooting. Police later recovered two weapons at the scene — a long gun and a modified handgun — as part of the investigation. Some of these firearms had been seized from the family home in previous years, only to be returned after a lawful owner petitioned successfully.

The Tragic Attack

The attack unfolded in two stages. Van Rootselaar first went to a residence in Tumbler Ridge, where she shot and killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother. From there, she drove approximately 1.5 kilometers to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she opened fire on students and faculty members.

At the school, six people were killed — including a 39-year-old teacher and five students aged 12 to 13. More than 25 others were injured, some critically. Students barricaded themselves in classrooms while waiting for police, who arrived within minutes of the first call. Van Rootselaar was later found dead at the school from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities confirmed that she acted alone, and investigations into her motive remain ongoing. Officials have stated that there is no evidence the victims were specifically targeted, though the entire community has been deeply affected by the tragedy.

Community and National Response

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is considered one of the deadliest school shootings in Canada since the 2020 Nova Scotia massacre. Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of victims. Local schools remained closed for several days following the incident, and memorials and support services were quickly organized to assist the grieving community.

Experts and commentators have highlighted that mass shootings in Canada are relatively rare, particularly in small towns. The incident has reignited debates on gun laws, mental health services, and public safety policies. While Canadian firearms regulations are generally stricter than in some other countries, this event underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing safety with mental health considerations.

Legacy and Reflection

Jesse Van Rootselaar’s actions have left an indelible mark on Tumbler Ridge and the broader Canadian consciousness. Her story is a stark reminder of the complex interplay of mental health, access to firearms, and societal warning signs. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, it has sparked important conversations about early intervention, community support, and how to prevent future tragedies.

As investigations continue, the lives lost — both at the residence and the school — remain at the forefront of public attention. Communities across Canada mourn the loss of innocent lives while searching for lessons to prevent similar events in the future.