An 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed eight people—including six at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School—and injured dozens more in a shocking attack. Authorities say the teen died from a self-inflicted gunshot, while the motive remains unclear
An 18-year-old has been identified as the suspect in a deadly shooting in British Columbia, Canada, which left eight people dead and dozens injured. Police say Jesse Van Rootselaar was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Canadian police identified the suspect in a high school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old woman with mental health issues https://t.co/DVE1Z9eTfu pic.twitter.com/SdcESBkTjH
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 11, 2026
Sequence of events
The tragedy began at a nearby home, where Van Rootselaar’s mother, 39, and step-brother, 11, were found dead. The suspect then went to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six people were killed and at least 25 others injured.
Dwayne McDonald, deputy commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), said: “I can say that Jesse was born as a biological male who approximately six years ago began to transition to female.”
The school victims included a 39-year-old female teacher, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students, aged 12 and 13. Authorities confirmed that no other suspects are believed to be involved.
Police arrived at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School within two minutes of receiving reports of an active shooter around 13:30 local time (20:30 GMT). “Officers arrived on the scene within two minutes of the call, heard active gunfire and entered the school,” McDonald said. Within minutes, they located Van Rootselaar, who had already taken their own life.
Two firearms—a long gun and a modified handgun—were recovered, though authorities have not clarified the exact roles each played in the attack. Some victims were airlifted to hospital and remain under medical care.
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Van Rootselaar had previously held a valid gun licence, which had lapsed, and had dropped out of school four years ago. Police had visited the suspect’s family home multiple times over several years, often responding to mental health concerns.
Tumbler Ridge, home to roughly 2,400 residents, has a small secondary school with 160 students.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the attack as horrific, saying students and teachers “bore witness to unheard of cruelty,” and some victims remain hospitalised, “fighting for their lives.”
To the families in Tumbler Ridge who woke up today without someone they love, Canada mourns with you. pic.twitter.com/qQms9S2TKh
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 11, 2026
Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the close-knit nature of the town: “I will know every victim. I’ve been here 19 years, and we’re a small community. I don’t call them residents. I call them family.”
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