Victoria, BC-Canada: A peaceful afternoon in the remote town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, turned into a nightmare on 10 February 2026, when a lone gunman unleashed terror at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby home.
In the span of moments, nine lives were lost and dozens more were wounded, leaving a stunned community grappling with grief and shock.
The horror has not only shaken Canada to its core but has drawn international attention, including statements of condolence from the United States government, underscoring the global resonance of such tragedies and raising urgent questions about school safety, mental health, and gun access across North America.
On 10 February 2026, the normally quiet community of Tumbler Ridge, in northern British Columbia, Canada, was shaken to its core by a devastating act of violence that has been described as one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history.
Around 1:20 p.m. local time, reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School triggered a massive emergency response as police, first responders, and local authorities raced to the scene.
The attack quickly turned into a tragedy that would leave nine people dead and more than two dozen injured.
The casualties included students and an education assistant inside the school, as well as two additional victims found at a nearby residence believed to be connected with the shooter. Among the dead was the suspect, who took her own life at the school before officers made direct contact.
The shooter has been identified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as 18‑year‑old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a resident of the Tumbler Ridge community and a former student of the school.
Reportedly, authorities confirmed that before arriving at the school, Van Rootselaar killed her 39‑year‑old mother and 11‑year‑old stepbrother at their home.
Police have said the attack appeared to unfold without a clear specific external motive, and investigators are still working to understand why Van Rootselaar carried out the shootings.
Van Rootselaar had a documented history of mental health issues and was known to police from previous welfare checks at her family home, though law enforcement had not publicly characterized her as a violent threat prior to this incident.
A combination of firearms — including a long gun and a modified handgun — was recovered at the scene, and the RCMP said it is investigating how the weapons were obtained and whether they were legally possessed or modified.
As of the latest updates, 27 people are reported injured, with some being treated for serious or life threatening wounds at regional hospitals, while others have been treated and discharged.
The school, a facility that served roughly 175 students in grades 7 through 12, has been closed indefinitely as authorities conduct forensic work and community healing begins.
Canadian federal and provincial officials have been outspoken about the emotional toll of the incident. Prime Minister Mark Carney, visibly moved in public remarks, postponed other engagements to remain in Canada and ordered that national flags fly at half-mast as a sign of mourning.
Provincial leaders, mental health professionals, and community representatives have emphasized collective support and trauma care for families, students, educators, and first responders.
This mass shooting has reignited national debate in Canada on both gun access and mental health support, despite the country’s already strict firearms regulations compared with many countries.
Authorities have noted that school shootings remain rare in Canada, and this event is only the second deadliest school shooting since the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre.
American leaders responded with solemn statements of sympathy and support for Canadian authorities and the affected families. White House officials emphasized the deep ties between Canada and the United States, describing the tragedy as a sorrow shared by neighbours and allies.
In a formal statement, the U.S. Department of State expressed condolences, noting the longstanding partnership on issues of cross‑border security and community safety.
While the U.S. government did not comment directly on Canadian domestic policy decisions, U.S. officials reiterated the importance of violence prevention, mental health care, and school safety initiatives — issues that continue to be central topics of discussion in American public policy.
Washington also affirmed its support for Canada in ongoing investigations and recovery efforts, underscoring the close cooperation between North American law enforcement and emergency response networks.
In the days following the attack, the town of Tumbler Ridge — a remote community of about 2,400 people in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains — has been marked by collective mourning and public vigils.
Memorial services have drawn local families, community leaders, and provincial officials alike. Schools in the district remain closed, and plans are underway to offer counseling and long-term support for survivors and residents traumatized by the incident.
Police have lifted much of the immediate perimeter around the affected school and home, but forensic teams continue detailed investigations.
The authorities have cautioned against speculation, stressing that understanding the full context and motive behind Van Rootselaar’s actions will take time and careful analysis.
