Officials said on Wednesday that a mass shooting at British Columbia’s Tumbler Ridge Secondary School resulted in the deaths of at least nine people. Police identified the one responsible, who was also found dead, as an 18-year-old transgender woman who allegedly killed two family members at home before opening fire at the school.
The Tumbler Ridge Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed to Fox News Digital that police responded to allegations of an active shooter at the school at about 1:20 p.m. local time Tuesday. Officers discovered six victims dead from gunshot wounds at the school, as well as the alleged shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who looked to have died from a self-inflicted injury.
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Authorities stated Van Rootselaar attended the school before dropping out about four years ago. Van Rootselaar, who identified as female but was designated male at birth, began her transition six years ago.
Van Rootselaar allegedly had a history of mental health-related interactions with authorities and may have had access to weapons held at home. Police said they had visited the residence several times recently for mental health calls, during which guns were momentarily seized under the Criminal Code but then released after a petition by the authorized owner.
According to the RCMP, authorities seized two firearms inside the school, a long gun and a modified handgun. Neither weapon was registered to Van Rootselaar, who had a firearms license that expired in 2024.
The six victims discovered at the school were identified as a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students, ages 12 and 13.
During the inquiry, authorities discovered a second location that is believed to be connected to the incident. Two more victims were discovered dead inside a home, including the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother.
Officials said two patients were transported to a hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. One of the wounded, a woman who was originally thought to have been dead, is now alive, bringing the death toll down from ten to nine.
Police reported that approximately 25 people with non-life-threatening injuries were transferred to a local medical institution for assessment. This was a rapidly growing and dynamic scenario, and the school, first responders, and community’s prompt collaboration were vital to our response,” said Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander, in a statement. “Our sympathies are with the families, loved ones, and everyone affected by this awful occurrence. This has been an extremely tough and emotional day for our community, and we appreciate the cooperation demonstrated as officers strive to further the investigation.”
Police said that all remaining children and staff had been safely evacuated from the school.
Police think there are no further suspects or an ongoing threat to the public.
Floyd verified that the shooter was the same person described in a police alert earlier that day as a “female in a dress with brown hair.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his shock and sadness over the tragic shootings. My prayers and condolences go out to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in these horrible acts of violence. I join Canadians in mourning for individuals whose lives have been permanently altered today, as well as in gratitude for the bravery and selflessness of first responders who risked their lives to defend their fellow citizens. Our ability to join together in times of adversity exemplifies the finest of our country: empathy, unity, and compassion for one another,” he said on X.
The RCMP originally announced an active shooter situation Tuesday at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, where at least one suspect was killed.
The North District Emergency Response Team, as well as additional police resources from nearby detachments, was deployed to the area.
The Peace River South School District announced a lockdown on its website for Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Tumbler Ridge Elementary schools. “We are asking for patience as we work with the RCMP,” school officials stated.
Larry Neufeld, who represents Peace River South in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, posted on social media that he was heading to the site. I am aware of the active shooter situation in Tumbler Ridge, and my sympathies are with the community as it develops,” Neufeld wrote. I’ve contacted the Solicitor General for updates and to ensure adequate provincial resources are available for local law enforcement and emergency personnel.”
Public safety is the top priority. “I urge everyone in the area to follow RCMP instructions, stay sheltered, and rely solely on official updates,” he added. “I am leaving Victoria immediately to return to my riding, where I will be on the ground and accessible to help the people in any manner possible. I shall remain intimately involved as this issue develops.”
