City lowers flags to honor victims of Tumbler Ridge shooting

As the country comes to grips with the horrific shooting that occurred in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday, the City of Merritt has reach our to the devastated mayor of the community.

Mayor Mike Goetz provided Q101 with a copy of a letter addressed to Mayor Darryl Krakowka expressing the City’s condolences to the families of the victims in the wake of the tragedy that saw nine people killed and 25 others injured, two of whom have life-threatening injuries.

“At times like these, it is hard to know what to say or sometimes do,” Goetz wrote.”  However, I want you to know that this has deeply touched our community, and we are all here for you and your community. We offer any support that we can, and please know that we (residents of Merritt) are thinking of you, your council, and community.”

The Mayor added that the City of Merritt will lower its flags at half-mast for the next seven days to honor those lost and those who are grieving and struggling with the tragedy.

Today, investigators are trying to piece together what motivated a shooter to kill two people at a residence before heading to the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School to continue the carnage.

The suspect is also among the dead as a result of suicide.

The RCMP has released the name of the female suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar from Tumbler Ridge.

In Mayor Goetz’s message to Mayor Krakowka, he stated that the incident really hit him on Wednesday morning as he dropped off his granddaughter at school.

“As I dropped my granddaughter off at school today, I could not fathom it would be the very last time I said, ‘I love you, have a great day, and see you after school,” Goetz added. “Today your community is feeling that loss, a loss no one should have to bear.”

Condolences have been pouring in from around the world, including Prime Minister Mark Carney,  King Charles, and Queen Camilla.

More details will be released as the investigation continues.

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