A profound wave of shock and sorrow has enveloped Tumbler Ridge, a serene mining town nestled in the heart of British Columbia. On February 11, 2026, this close-knit community faced an unthinkable tragedy: a mass shooting that left eight innocent people dead and dozens injured. The devastating event, which unfolded at a family home and then at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, has cast a somber shadow across Canada, reigniting urgent conversations about mental health, gun control, and community resilience.
This article delves into the grim details of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, examining the sequence of events, identifying the suspect, and exploring the profound impact on victims and the wider community.
The Unfolding Horror in Tumbler Ridge
The harrowing events began on a Tuesday afternoon, shattering the peace of Tumbler Ridge. Around 1:30 PM local time, police received an urgent report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Officers responded with remarkable speed, arriving on the scene within just two minutes. Upon entering the school, they encountered active gunfire. Within minutes, they located the suspected shooter, who was already deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators soon pieced together a devastating timeline. The violence did not begin at the school. Authorities discovered that the suspect had first carried out a horrific attack at a nearby family residence. Here, two individuals were killed: the suspect’s 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Strang, and her 11-year-old step-brother. A young female relative is believed to have alerted authorities to these initial killings after the school attack. Following these homicides, the suspect proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, unleashing further terror.
At the school, six more lives were tragically lost. A 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students (aged 12 and 13) were fatally shot. One victim was found in a stairwell, while others were located in the school library. In addition to the fatalities, at least 25 others sustained injuries, with many not from gunshot wounds. Two victims, including a 12-year-old girl named Maya, were airlifted to hospitals in critical condition, with Maya suffering gunshot wounds to the head and neck. During the attack, students and faculty bravely barricaded themselves in classrooms and offices, following school protocols.
The Suspect: Jesse Van Rootselaar
Authorities quickly identified the alleged perpetrator as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident of Tumbler Ridge. Jesse was found dead at the school scene, believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that Jesse, though born a biological male, had begun transitioning to female approximately six years prior and identified as a woman.
Van Rootselaar had previously attended Tumbler Ridge Secondary School but had dropped out four years before the shooting. Critically, Van Rootselaar was not a current student at the time of the attack. The exact motive for the shooting remains unclear, forming a central point of the ongoing police investigation.
A History of Concern
Police records revealed a troubling history of interactions involving Van Rootselaar and her family home. Officers had attended the residence on multiple occasions over several years, with some calls specifically related to mental health concerns. British Columbia Premier David Eby confirmed that authorities have initiated contact with the public health care system to review any prior interactions with the suspect.
Further investigation showed that Van Rootselaar had previously held a valid gun license, which had since expired in 2024. No firearms were currently registered in her name. Disturbingly, approximately two years prior to the shooting, firearms had been seized from the family residence under the criminal code due to a mental health interaction. However, these weapons were later returned to their lawful owner after a petition. Investigators recovered two firearms at the school scene: a long gun and a modified handgun. Their precise roles in the shooting are still being determined.
Innocent Victims of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting
The eight victims of the Tumbler Ridge shooting represent a profound loss for the community. The initial victims at the family home were Jesse Van Rootselaar’s 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Strang, and her 11-year-old step-brother.
At Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, the victims included:
A 39-year-old female educator
Three 12-year-old female students
One 12-year-old male student
One 13-year-old male student
The names of most deceased victims have not yet been publicly released by the RCMP. Reports highlighted one of the 12-year-old male victims as a regular churchgoer, remembered for his pleasant demeanor and constant smile. The profound grief extends to the dozens of injured, some fighting for their lives in hospitals, and the countless others traumatized by the day’s events.
Tumbler Ridge: A Community Shattered
Tumbler Ridge, a remote Canadian town with a population of approximately 2,400 to 2,700 residents, is known for its tight-knit community spirit. Its secondary school serves about 160 students from Grades 7 to 12. Mayor Darryl Krakowka, visibly emotional, described the town as “one big family,” expressing the deep personal distress that many residents, including himself, felt, likely knowing many of the victims.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community rallied together. Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil, Canadian flags flew at half-mast, and heartfelt condolences poured in from across Canada and around the world. Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed parliament, expressing the nation’s solidarity and observing a minute’s silence for the victims. He acknowledged that “important questions” and “difficult conversations” would follow, but the immediate focus was on grieving and remembrance. The Governor General, King Charles III, and other international figures also offered their support. The school district announced the closure of both the high school and elementary school for the remainder of the week, allowing the community time to mourn and heal.
Canada’s Stance on Gun Violence Under Scrutiny
The Tumbler Ridge shooting stands as a stark anomaly in Canada, a country known for its significantly stricter gun control laws compared to its southern neighbor. This incident is now ranked as one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings and the second deadliest school shooting in the nation’s history, falling behind a 1989 tragedy in Montreal that claimed 14 lives. The deadliest shooting in Canadian history occurred in 2020 in Nova Scotia, resulting in 22 fatalities.
Following the Nova Scotia tragedy, Canada implemented stricter measures, including a ban on 1,500 models of assault-style weapons, which has since expanded to over 2,500 makes and models. A national freeze on handgun sales also took effect in October 2022. Despite these stringent regulations, which require individuals to be at least 18, complete a safety course, and register certain firearms, the Tumbler Ridge shooting serves as a grim reminder that no nation is entirely immune to such horrific acts of violence. The event prompts further examination of how firearms, even those previously confiscated, can re-enter circulation.
The Ongoing Investigation
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police continue their active investigation into the Tumbler Ridge shooting. Authorities firmly believe that Jesse Van Rootselaar acted alone and there are no other outstanding suspects. A key focus remains on uncovering the motive behind the attack, an answer that could provide some understanding amidst the profound grief. Investigators are also working to determine the exact origins of the firearms used and their specific roles in the incident. The area around Tumbler Ridge Secondary School remains cordoned off as forensic teams meticulously gather evidence. The aim is to provide comprehensive answers to the shattered community and prevent future tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happened during the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
On February 11, 2026, a mass shooting occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, first killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother at a family home. She then proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she fatally shot six more individuals: a 39-year-old female educator and five students aged 12-13. The suspect was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school. In total, eight victims died, and dozens more were injured.
How has the Tumbler Ridge community responded to this tragedy?
The small, close-knit community of Tumbler Ridge has been devastated but has shown immense resilience. Residents gathered for candlelight vigils, and local leaders, including Mayor Darryl Krakowka, expressed deep sorrow and solidarity. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also addressed the nation, lowering flags to half-mast. The secondary school and elementary school were closed for the week to allow for mourning and recovery. People have been urged to support one another emotionally during this challenging time.
How does the Tumbler Ridge shooting compare to other incidents of gun violence in Canada?
The Tumbler Ridge shooting is a rare and tragic event in Canada, a country with significantly stricter gun control laws than many others. It ranks as one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings and the second deadliest school shooting in the nation’s history, following the 1989 Montreal massacre. While Canada has implemented bans on assault-style weapons and a national freeze on handgun sales, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges of preventing such violence, even with stringent regulations in place.
Moving Forward with Grief and Resolve
The Tumbler Ridge shooting is a devastating chapter in Canadian history, leaving behind a legacy of grief, questions, and an urgent call for reflection. The small town of Tumbler Ridge will carry the scars of this tragedy for generations. As the community begins the long process of healing, the nation stands in solidarity, committed to understanding the root causes of such violence and exploring all avenues to prevent future occurrences. The memories of the victims will serve as a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the enduring strength of community in the face of unimaginable sorrow.
