Everything You Need to Know About the Tumbler Ridge Shooting

A tragic mass shooting unfolded on February 10, 2026, in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, resulting in nine deaths—including the perpetrator—and dozens of injuries. The attacker, identified as 18‑year‑old Jesse Van Rootselaar, first killed her mother and half-brother at a private residence before moving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School to carry out the fatal attack. She then died by suicide at the school.

Community & Context

Tumbler Ridge is a small, tight-knit mining town nestled in the Rockies of northeastern British Columbia, with a population of roughly 2,400–2,700 people. The town is known for its close community ties and reliance on resource industries. This shooting stands among the deadliest in Canadian history, marking it the most lethal school shooting since the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre.

Timeline of Events

• February 10, 2026, ~1:20 p.m. MST: RCMP receives report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
• Within two minutes: Local officers arrive, encountering live gunfire at the school entrance.
• During the incident: The shooter had already killed her mother and 11‑year‑old half-brother at a nearby residence.
• At the school: The attacker fatally shot a 39‑year‑old education assistant and five students—three 12‑year‑old girls, a 12‑year‑old boy, and a 13‑year‑old boy. She then died by suicide at the scene.
• Casualties: Total deaths numbered nine—including the shooter—with 27 injured. Two victims were airlifted due to serious injuries.
• Lockdown & Alert: Schools and the region were placed on lockdown. A province-wide emergency alert advised residents to shelter in place.

Investigation & Weapons

RCMP’s Major Crime Unit led the investigation, processing the school, residence, and the suspect’s vehicle. Authorities recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the school. A separate unregistered shotgun, believed to be used too, remains of unknown origin. Investigators also interviewed over 80 people, including students and responders, and expected forensic work to continue through the following weekend.

Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated:

“We believe the suspect acted alone and there are currently no other outstanding suspects.”

Perpetrator Profile

The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was an 18‑year‑old transgender woman and former student at the secondary school. She had dropped out around four years prior. She had a documented history of mental health issues and previous police interventions, including firearms seizures; her minor’s firearms license had expired in 2024. Social media revealed disturbing behavior, including pyromania and substance use, contributing to concerns about her mental state. Authorities say there’s no clear motive yet, no note was found, and victims seemed chosen indiscriminately.

Victims & Immediate Response

• At the school: Six people killed—one education assistant (39) and five students (ages 12–13).
• At the residence: The perpetrator’s mother (39) and 11‑year‑old half‑brother were found dead.
• Injuries: 27 people were wounded, two were airlifted in critical condition.
• Lockdown: Rapid RCMP action and lockdown protocols likely prevented further casualties.

Reactions & Community Aftermath

• National response: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and BC Premier David Eby expressed deep sorrow. Flags were flown at half‑mast for a week, and Carney postponed a European trip to visit Tumbler Ridge.
• Local grief: Mayoral and community leaders emphasized the town’s small‑town bonds and the profound loss.
• False narratives: Misinformation online falsely linked other transgender individuals to the shooting, prompting clarifications from affected families.
• Education disruption: Both schools remained closed indefinitely. Superintendent confirmed students likely will not return to the school.

Broader Context & Implications

• This incident is the deadliest school shooting in Canada since 1989 and among the worst mass shootings post-2020 Nova Scotia massacre.
• Despite Canada’s strict gun laws, especially post‑2020, rural areas like Tumbler Ridge maintain widespread firearm ownership, highlighting persistent risks.
• The tragedy reignited national discussions on mental health services, firearm access, school security, and community support systems.

Conclusion

The Tumbler Ridge shooting on February 10, 2026, devastated a small, resilient community. The tragic targeting of vulnerable school-aged children, the killer’s ties to the community, and the swift law enforcement response spotlight the complexities of rural safety, mental health, and gun policy. As investigations continue and healing begins, this event will influence Canadian discourse on community resilience, preventive measures, and safeguarding schools in remote settings.

FAQs

Q: When and where did the Tumbler Ridge shooting occur?
A: The shooting happened on February 10, 2026, at around 1:20 p.m. MST in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, inside the secondary school and at the perpetrator’s home.

Q: How many were killed and injured?
A: Nine people died—including the shooter—and 27 others were wounded; two of the injured were airlifted in critical condition.

Q: Who was the shooter and what was known about them?
A: The shooter was 18-year-old transgender woman Jesse Van Rootselaar, a former student with mental health history and expired firearm license.

Q: What is being done in the investigation?
A: RCMP’s Major Crime Unit is processing the school, a residence, and the suspect’s vehicle while collecting forensic evidence and interviewing over 80 individuals.

Q: How did authorities and leaders respond?
A: Police arrived within minutes, initiated lockdowns and alerts. National leaders offered condolences, lowered flags, and committed to visiting. Schools remain closed.