An 18-year-old has been identified by police as the suspect in a shooting that killed eight people and injured at least 25 others in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said Jesse Van Rootselaar was found dead at the scene from what officers described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities said there are no other suspects involved. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Timeline of the attack
Police said the incident began shortly before 13:30 local time (20:30 GMT) on Tuesday, when officers received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said officers arrived within two minutes of the call, heard active gunfire and entered the school. Within minutes, they located the suspect, who was deceased.
Earlier, two people – identified as the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother – were found dead at a nearby home. Police said the shooting at the residence occurred before the attack at the school.
Victims and injuries
At the school, six people were killed: a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13.
At least 25 others were injured. Two victims were transported to hospital by air ambulance and remain in hospital. Authorities said some of the injured are in serious condition.
Tumbler Ridge is a community of about 2,400 residents. The secondary school has approximately 160 students in grades 7 to 12.
Firearms and prior police contact
Police recovered two firearms at the scene, described as a long gun and a modified handgun. Authorities said it remains unclear what role each weapon played in the shooting.
McDonald said the suspect previously held a valid firearms licence that had since lapsed.
Police confirmed that officers had attended the suspect’s family home on multiple occasions over several years, with some calls related to mental health concerns.
Van Rootselaar had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years ago, according to police.
Authorities said the suspect was born male and had begun transitioning to female approximately six years ago.
Official response
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said students and teachers “bore witness to unheard of cruelty” during the attack and noted that some victims remain in hospital.
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka said the community is close-knit and that many residents know one another personally.
A shelter-in-place order was lifted later on Tuesday after police secured the area.
What this means
The RCMP has confirmed the identity of the suspect and that no additional individuals are believed to be involved. Investigators continue to examine the sequence of events, the firearms used, and the circumstances surrounding the attack. Support services have been made available to students, staff and residents in the community.
When and where
The shooting occurred on Tuesday, 9 February 2026, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Police identified the suspect and provided updated details on 10 February 2026.
