Disclaimer: This article discusses gun violence. Please read at your own discretion.
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The Background
Tumbler Ridge, a mining town of Northeastern British Columbia, has a population of approximately 2,400: a tight-knit community grappling with a profound loss. On February 10, its only secondary school became the site of the second-deadliest school shooting in Canadian history: leaving nine dead and twenty seven injured.
Eighteen year old Jesse Van Rootselaar was a former student of Tumbler Ridge Secondary, but had dropped out several years earlier. The attack began at Jesse's home, where she shot and killed her mother and stepbrother with a long gun or modified handgun: the same weapons that were used in the attack at the school. At just after two o'clock in the afternoon, British Columbia police received reports of an active shooter inside the school, where a lockdown had begun. Lockdown was also issued for the town of Tumbler Ridge. It was confirmed by British Columbia Minister of Public Safety that the RCMP arrived at the school just two minutes after receiving reports.
At approximately 3:15, residents received mobile alerts warning of the suspect, who was described as a female in a dress with brown hair. All alerts were lifted by approximately 6:45.
The Victims
Abel Mwansa, 12
Abel's father described him as an ambitious child who always had a smile on his face: a child who loved science, soccer, and helping others.
Ezekiel Schofield, 13
Ezekiel was a hockey player and a student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Kylie Smith, 12
Described by her family as gentle and kind, Kylie was a seventh grader who loved art and anime. She dreamed on attending art school in Toronto.
Zoey Benoit, 12
Zoey was a resilient and intelligent student at Tumblr Ridge Secondary School. She loved art and singing, and was known for her ability to make others laugh.
Ticaria Lampert, 12
Ticara was one of eight children: a lover of crafts, painting, and Kpop Demon Hunters. She was a loyal friend and sister who loved to make people laugh.
Emmett Jacobs, 11
Emmett was the stepbrother of Jesse Van Rootselaar. He was found deceased inside the family's home.
Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39 (no photo released)
Shannda was an educational assistant at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, described by friends as a gentle and generous woman. She had a husband, a daughter, and a son.
Jennifer Jacobs, 39
Jennifer was the mother of Jesse Van Rootselaar. She was found deceased in the family's home.
The Aftermath
Mass shootings in Canada are not unheard of; however, most are not deadly and result in few, if any, casualties. The Tumbler Ridge shooting was the deadliest school shooting since 1989, when fifteen people were killed at a university in Montreal. With thirty six total casualties, the Tumbler Ridge shooting is the highest casualty mass shooting event in Canadian history.
After the attack, it was announced that, for seven days, flags would be flown at half-mast on federal buildings and at Parliament Hill. On a hill overlooking Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where the community gathered on Wednesday for a vigil, a tree has become a memorial site for victims. On the evening on Friday, February 13, all federal party leaders of Canada are expected to attend a community vigil in Tumbler Ridge.
Following the attack, it was confirmed that perpetrator Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds, was a transgender woman who had begun her transition six years prior. A statement released by her biological father consistently deadnames and misgenders her, while blaming Jesse's mother for their estrangement. In addition, it was confirmed by the RCMP that Jesse had been visited at home several times in the past regarding mental health issues. At one of these visits, firearms were confiscated from the family home, but were later returned.
In the wake of a terrible, avoidable tragedy, we are reminded of the importance of community and supporting mental health: a crisis that often goes ignored until it's too late.
Sources & Further Reading
https://vancouversun.com/news/tumbler-ridge-bc-mass-shooting-what-we-know-about-victims
https://globalnews.ca/news/11662692/tumbler-ridge-school-shooting-timeline/
About the Creator
choreomanias
I'm an autist with an interest in world history and geography. I also write about mental health, my experiences as a neurodivergent parent, and queer issues.
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Comments (2)
As a Canadian, I find it nerve-wracking. This is unheard of. It's so tragic to hear the deaths of children who have done nothing wrong. Thanks for writing this.
A true tragedy. I hope the community will be able to find some peace in the future. And that there’ll be strong and stable mental health support available long term.