URGENT UPDATE: A tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has left six dead, including children and a teacher, after an 18-year-old shooter, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, opened fire on February 11, 2023. This horrifying incident began in his mother’s home, where he fatally shot his 39-year-old mother, Jannifer Strang, and his 11-year-old step-brother before proceeding to the school.
Authorities confirm that Van Rootselaar, a biological male who identified as female and had begun transitioning six years ago, was previously a student at the school but had dropped out four years prior. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that the reasons for the attack remain unclear, but mental health issues have been reported at the family home in the past.
The shooting unfolded shortly after 1:20 p.m. MST at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. During the rampage, Van Rootselaar killed a 39-year-old female teacher and three female students, aged 12, along with two male students, aged 11 and 12. Additionally, 25 others were injured, with two critically wounded and airlifted to a local hospital.
Police responded rapidly, evacuating nearly 100 students from the premises. A public alert was issued and lifted at 5:45 p.m. MST the same day as the situation was brought under control. Investigators also recovered a modified long gun and pistol from the scene.
McDonald emphasized that there were no indications of bullying or harassment linked to Van Rootselaar’s transgender identity during his time at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The delay in releasing the shooter’s identity was attributed to the need to inform next of kin and ensure accurate information was provided to the public.
As the community grapples with this unimaginable tragedy, the names of the victims have not yet been released. The small town of Tumbler Ridge, with a population of about 2,400, is in mourning as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to this devastating attack.
This story is still developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for real-time updates on this unfolding situation.
