In a tragic incident that has shaken the small town of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia, Canada, an 18-year-old has been named as the suspect in a mass shooting that resulted in eight deaths and dozens of injuries.
The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with the motive for the attack currently unknown. The spate of violence began at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six individuals were killed, including a 39-year-old female educator and five students. In addition, two others related to the shooter were found dead at a nearby residence.
Authorities have disclosed that Van Rootselaar, who identified as a woman, was born a biological male and had a history involving mental health concerns. The shooting occurred shortly after police were alerted, with rapid response from law enforcement who arrived just two minutes after receiving the report of an active shooter.
Local officials expressed that the community, which has roughly 2,400 residents, is close-knit, making the event all the more heart-wrenching. Mayor Darryl Krakowka stated, I will know every victim... we're a small community. I don't call them residents. I call them family. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the grievous incident as "unheard of cruelty," noting the urgency of remaining victims who are fighting for their lives in the hospital.
As this tragedy unfolds, questions arise regarding gun control laws and mental health support in the region. Van Rootselaar previously held a valid gun license which has since expired. The community now faces the aftermath of loss and seeks to heal from this unimaginable event.
