TUMBLER RIDGE / SURREY – Nearly 24 hours after an emergency alert paralyzed the community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C. RCMP have identified the suspect and revised the total number of fatalities in what is being called one of the deadliest mass shootings in provincial history.
In a press briefing held Wednesday morning at RCMP headquarters in Surrey, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old resident of Tumbler Ridge.
Correction to the Death Toll
Authorities clarified that nine people are confirmed deceased, including the suspect—correcting an earlier report of 10 fatalities.
The discrepancy occurred after it was initially believed a victim had died during transport to the hospital. McDonald confirmed that this individual, along with one other victim, survived and remains in critical but stable condition after being airlifted to hospital. In total, 27 others were injured, with most receiving treatment at the local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries and shock.
The Victims
The tragedy claimed lives at two separate locations:
- Tumbler Ridge Secondary School: Six victims were found at the school. They have been identified as a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. One student victim was identified by family as 12-year-old Kylie Smith.
- Residential Scene: Two additional victims, found at a home on Fellers Avenue, were identified as the suspect’s 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Strang, and her 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett.
Timeline and Police Response
RCMP confirmed the sequence of events began at the family residence before the suspect moved to the high school.
- 2:20 p.m. MST: Local RCMP received the first reports of an active shooter at the school and arrived within two minutes.
- Gunfire Exchanged: As officers approached, rounds were fired in their direction from the school; however, police did not return fire.
- Suspect Located: Upon entering the building, officers found Van Rootselaar deceased from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Suspect and Weaponry Details
Van Rootselaar was a former student who had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary approximately four years ago. Police noted a “long history” of interactions with the suspect involving mental health concerns, including previous apprehensions under the Mental Health Act.
Two firearms were recovered at the school: a long gun and a modified handgun. While Van Rootselaar had previously held a firearms license, it had expired in 2024, and she had no weapons registered in her name. McDonald noted that firearms had been seized from the suspect’s residence “a couple years ago” but were later returned to their “lawful owner” following a court petition.
A Province in Mourning
B.C. Premier David Eby urged the public to “wrap these families with love” as the province grapples with the scale of the loss. Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed Parliament Wednesday, stating that national flags will fly at half-mast for seven days.
Communal Mourning and Tributes
- Day of Mourning: The B.C. government has paused its legislative session for Thursday, February 12, proclaiming it a day of mourning across the province.
- Moment of Silence: A moment of silence will be observed at noon on Thursday in the B.C. Legislature.
- Book of Condolences: A physical book of condolences has been placed in the Hall of Honour at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria, available for public signing from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until February 17.
- Community Space: School District 59 has established a gathering space at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre, where mental health professionals are on-site to provide grief support.
Immediate Mental Health Contacts
If you or someone you know is struggling, the following confidential provincial resources are available 24/7:
- BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (No area code required)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8
