18-Year-Old Named as Suspect in Deadly Tumbler Ridge School Shooting

Police have identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the suspect in a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that killed nine people, including six children, and injured at least 25 others. The attack took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, first at a home where the suspect killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother, then at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School where most of the victims died.

Background

Tumbler Ridge is a small town of about 2,000 to 2,700 people in northeastern British Columbia, a remote area known for its tight-knit community feel. Mayor Darryl Krakowka called it a big family, where everyone knows each other. The town sits far from major cities, with limited services, making events like this hit hard.

Tumbler Ridge Secondary School serves grades 7 to 12, with around 175 students. It is the main high school for the area, run by School District 59 Peace River South. The school takes part in an international student program, but most students come from the local community.

On Tuesday afternoon, life in this quiet town changed forever. Around 1:20 p.m., local RCMP got reports of an active shooter at the school. They sent out an emergency alert at about 2:15 p.m., telling people to shelter in place, lock doors, and stay inside. The alert described the suspect as a female in a dress with brown hair. Schools locked down right away.

Officers reached the school quickly. They went inside and found multiple victims. The suspect was also found dead with what looked like a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As they searched further, police linked the school shooting to deaths at a nearby home.

This stands as one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history. British Columbia Premier David Eby spoke at a news conference, getting emotional about a young girl fighting for her life in hospital. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger called it one of the worst in the province and country.

Key Details

The death toll started at ten but police revised it to nine after finding one girl they thought was dead was actually alive. The victims include a female teacher, three female students, and two male students at the school. Most died in the school library. They were mostly 12- or 13-year-olds. Two more died at the home: the suspect's mother and stepbrother.

Families named some young victims. Abel Mwansa Jr. and Kylie May, both 12, were killed, their families said. Police have not released all names yet.

At least 27 people got hurt. Two girls were airlifted to hospitals with serious injuries. One, a 12-year-old named Maya, went to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. Another young girl remains in critical condition. About 25 others went to a local medical center. Many had minor injuries from hiding or chaos, like cuts or bruises, often with blood on them from the scene.

The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, lived in Tumbler Ridge. Born male, she had been transitioning to female for six years. She was not a student at the school and dropped out about four years ago. Her family was known to police, who visited their home in the spring over mental health concerns, including self-harm.

Police entered the school around 6 p.m. and found six dead inside, not counting the suspect. One more died on the way to hospital. They evacuated about 100 students and staff safely.

Police Response and Investigation

RCMP from Tumbler Ridge led the first response. Extra teams came from nearby areas, including emergency response and victim services. The Major Crime Section took over the full investigation.

Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander, praised the quick work of school staff, first responders, and residents.

“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response. Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones and all those impacted by this tragic incident.” – Superintendent Ken Floyd

Police do not know the motive yet. They are looking into any links between the suspect and victims. No second shooter is suspected.

The school's Parent Advisory Council chair, Nicole Noksana, said the group is heartbroken.

“There are no words that can ease the fear and pain that events like this cause in a school community. We want families to know that the safety and well-being of students and staff are important, and we are grateful to the first responders and emergency personnel who acted quickly and professionally.” – Nicole Noksana

What This Means

The shooting leaves deep scars in Tumbler Ridge. With so few people, almost every family feels the loss. Parents worry about safety at school, a place meant to be safe. Kids who survived saw things no child should see. They hid in rooms for hours, barricading doors.

Leaders stepped up fast. Premier Eby canceled trips to Halifax and Munich to focus here. He prayed publicly for the injured girl. Minister Krieger said no words can cover the pain for parents and families.

Mental health comes up in talks about the suspect. Police noted past issues. This raises questions on support in small towns, far from big hospitals.

School will stay closed for now. Counseling teams are on site for students, staff, and residents. Victim services help families with next steps, like funerals and claims.

The town pulls together. Neighbors check on each other. Mayor Krakowka called the news devastating. Community members say they dread the days ahead, with grief still fresh.

Police keep investigating. They want to know why this happened. Answers may take time, but the focus stays on victims and healing.

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said the 25 injured number came from kids checked at the medical center, many just scared and bloody from the chaos. Real injuries were fewer but still serious for some.

Tumbler Ridge now joins other places marked by gun violence. It tests how a small community bounces back. Help pours in from province and country-wide.