Suspect acted alone among details released about Tumbler Ridge tragedy: RCMP
(Photo credit D. Branco, Pattison Media)
Feb 11, 2026 | 1:42 PM
Pattison Media
Mounties in Tumbler Ridge say the suspect in a mass shooting is thought to have acted alone. Nine people were killed in shootings, including the lone suspect who died by suicide.
Mounties adjusted the death toll from 10 to nine, saying they originally believed one of the victims airlifted to the hospital had died.
Investigators say their officers had a history with the shooter, having attended the family home in the past. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald says the RCMP attended the home of the suspected shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, several times, and some of the complaints were related to the woman’s mental health. McDonald says Van Rootselaar was born a biological male, but began a transition to female about six years ago and identified as female.
Six of the nine people who died were under the age of 13, while a 39-year-old teacher and Van Rootselaar’s 39-year-old mother were also killed.
British Columbia’s provincial legislature cancelled Thursday’s throne speech because of the mass shooting. A joint statement from the party’s house leaders said the speech is being cancelled to recognize the “horrific shooting and tragic loss of life”.
In Ottawa, M.P.s held a moment of silence while party leaders urged Canadians to embrace unity and kindness in honour of the victims.
“What happened has left our nation in shock and all of us in mourning,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said. “Mr. Speaker, in the days ahead, there will be important questions to ask and difficult conversations to have. We owe that to the victims and to their families. But today, however, is for grieving and remembrance. Today is for the people of Tumbler Ridge and the Peace River region — for a community enduring the unimaginable.”
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Mental health supports are available to those who need them.
BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Kids Help Phone: Text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868
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