Canadian authorities have officially identified the suspect in the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as they continue to investigate the motive behind one of the country’s deadliest attacks in recent years. The incident, which took place on February 10, 2026, has left communities reeling and raised urgent questions about prevention and public safety.
At a press briefing, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed the suspected shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident of the small mountain town. Officials said Van Rootselaar was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted wound after the attack.
According to police reports, the chaos began at a private residence where Van Rootselaar allegedly killed her mother and 11-year-old stepbrother before driving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. At the school, multiple victims were shot, with authorities confirming that several students and at least one adult were killed.
First responders recovered two firearms at the school — a long gun and a modified handgun — which are believed to have been used in the rampage. Police arrived within minutes of the first emergency calls and encountered active gunfire upon entering the school building.
While the full list of victims has not yet been made public, local officials have confirmed that both students and faculty members were among those killed and wounded. Approximately 25 people were reported injured, including some taken to hospital by air ambulance for serious treatment.
Despite identifying the suspect, law enforcement has not yet determined a clear motive for the violent acts. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald emphasized that investigators are still gathering evidence, reviewing forensic information, and interviewing witnesses to understand what may have driven the suspect to commit the massacre. “It would be too early to speculate on motive,” McDonald said, though he confirmed that there is no evidence at this point suggesting specific targeting of individuals at the school.
Authorities also noted that Van Rootselaar had a history of mental health-related police interactions, with officers previously responding to calls at the suspect’s home. On at least one occasion, firearms were seized from the residence before later being returned, officials said.
In response to the tragedy, national leaders expressed deep grief and solidarity. Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered flags to fly at half-staff and offered condolences to the grieving families. Local officials described Tumbler Ridge as a “tight-knit community” struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
Schools in the area have been closed for the remainder of the week while support services are deployed for students, families, and residents traumatized by the events. Police remain committed to uncovering further details about the incident, including the suspect’s motives and any possible warning signs that could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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