PM Carney Joins Tumbler Ridge Vigil for School Shooting Victims

Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a candlelight vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Wednesday evening to honor eight victims of a school shooting that shook the small town earlier in the week. The gathering drew federal leaders and hundreds of locals mourning the dead, including five students, a teacher, and two family members of the suspect.

Background

Tumbler Ridge is a quiet town of about 2,500 people in northern British Columbia, surrounded by forests and coal mines. It sits far from big cities, with one main school serving local kids. On Tuesday afternoon, that peace broke when shots rang out at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

The school has 175 students from grades 8 to 12. Police got a call around 1:20 p.m. about an active shooter inside. Officers rushed in and found six people dead: five students aged 12 to 13 and a 39-year-old teacher. More than 25 others had wounds, some serious enough for airlift to hospitals. Students came out with hands up, as helicopters landed nearby.

Two more bodies turned up at a home close by—a 39-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy. Police later named the 18-year-old suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, a former student who left the school four years ago. Van Rootselaar was found dead inside the school from a self-inflicted wound. Officers recovered a long gun and a modified handgun.

This attack stands out in Canada’s history. It may be the worst school shooting since 1989, when a gunman killed 14 women at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal before taking his own life. Canada has seen other mass killings, like the 2020 Nova Scotia rampage that claimed 22 lives. After that, the government banned thousands of assault-style firearms.

Van Rootselaar lived in Tumbler Ridge. Police had visited the family home several times in recent years over mental health worries. The last check was last spring. Officers took the person into custody for checks more than once, but it’s unclear if that links to Tuesday’s events. A young female relative called police after the school shooting, leading them to the home where the mother, Jennifer Strang, and step-brother lay dead. Police believe those killings happened before the school attack.

The town pulled together fast. By evening, people set up a memorial with flowers, lights, and stuffed animals. Mayor Darryl Krakowka spoke to the crowd about how tight-knit the place is.

Key Details

The vigil filled a park in Tumbler Ridge as night fell. Candles flickered in the cold air. Prime Minister Carney arrived with other federal figures. He spoke briefly, telling those gathered that Canadians stand with them.

"Canadians are with you," says PM Carney.

People held photos of the lost students and teacher. Names have not been released yet to respect families. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd described the school scene as very dramatic. He noted first responders cared for many victims on site.

Victims and Response

The five young students were in middle grades, full of life ahead. The teacher, 39, worked daily with them. At the home, Jennifer Strang raised her family in the community. Her step-son, just 11, had years left to grow.

Over 25 people hurt in the school got medical help. Two went by air to bigger hospitals. The rest had treatment locally. Police finished securing the school and home by late Tuesday. They search for motive, but nothing clear yet.

Van Rootselaar dropped out at 14. Neighbors saw the family around town but noted no big red flags lately. Mental health visits happened, but details stay private for the probe.

Federal leaders flew in for the vigil. They met town officials and shook hands with grieving parents. Carney posted online earlier, calling the acts horrific. He thanked first responders for their bravery.

King Charles III sent word from overseas, offering deep sympathy to families and those waiting on hospital news. The mayor reminded everyone Tumbler Ridge acts like one big family, even in pain.

What This Means

This shooting hits hard in a town built on safety and community. Parents who moved here for quiet now question that choice. Schools across Canada review safety plans. Talks about guns and mental health pick up again.

Police wrap their main work at the scenes. They talk to witnesses, check phones, and trace the weapons. Families get support counselors. The school stays closed, maybe for weeks. Classes might shift online or to another site.

Town leaders plan more gatherings to help healing. Funds start for victims’ families. Businesses close early; flags fly half-staff nationwide. Carney’s team looks at aid for the north.

Mental health services see new calls. Past visits to Van Rootselaar’s home raise questions on follow-up care in rural spots. Experts say small towns struggle with resources. This pushes for better checks on dropouts and at-risk youth.

Canada faces its school deadliest day in decades. It stirs old debates on guns after recent bans. No quick fixes show, but leaders promise action. Tumbler Ridge buries its dead soon. The vigil marks a start to long recovery.

Residents light candles weekly now. They share stories of the kids—sports stars, artists, friends. The teacher coached teams, helped homework. Strang volunteered at events. The boy loved outdoors. Their loss empties chairs at dinner tables and classrooms.

First responders train harder after this. They saved lives amid chaos. Videos show kids running, hiding, then safe outside. Parents waited hours for reunions.

The nation watches this corner of BC. It’s a reminder violence strikes anywhere. Tumbler Ridge fights back with hugs, prayers, and resolve. Healing takes time, but the family bond holds.