TUMBLED RIDGE, British Columbia — A tragic school shooting in a small Canadian town left eight victims dead and dozens more injured on Tuesday. The incident, one of the deadliest in recent Canadian history, unfolded within the confines of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where students were attending classes in the quiet mountain community.
Law enforcement officials reported that the suspected shooter, an 18-year-old woman, initially killed her mother and step-brother at home before targeting the school. While authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the attack, they revealed that mental health concerns had previously been addressed concerning the shooter.
In the aftermath, Canadian flags were lowered to half-staff across the nation, with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other leaders expressing condolences in Parliament. British Columbia has designated Thursday as a day of mourning to honor the victims.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed the identities of the deceased, including six children aged 12 and 13, and two adults. Families of the victims have shared their grief, describing the significant impact of the loss. The family of 12-year-old Kylie Smith expressed their sorrow, remembering her as a gifted artist with dreams of attending art school. The family of 12-year-old Zoey Benoit described her as a joyful presence who brought laughter and warmth to their lives.
Among the injured, 12-year-old Maya Edmonds is in critical condition. Her mother has appealed for support as Maya struggles for her life in a Vancouver hospital. Another victim, Paige Hoekstra, is reportedly recovering after surgery due to a gunshot wound to the chest.
Authorities reported that the shooter, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, had a history of mental health issues and had been visited by police on multiple occasions. Most recently, officers intervened last spring following concerns of self-harm. No specific motive has been established, and officials indicated that there was no indication of bullying related to the shooter’s transition to female.
The shooting unfolded around 2:20 p.m. when police received an emergency call reporting an active shooter. Within minutes, law enforcement arrived on the scene and initiated a lockdown. Students described barricading themselves in classrooms as they heard alarms and awaited help. Tragically, the shooter was found dead at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
As residents of Tumbler Ridge grapple with the shock of the violence, community members held a candlelight vigil to honor those lost. Mayor Darryl Krakowka spoke of the tight-knit nature of the town, emphasizing the need for support and compassion in the coming days.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Prime Minister Mark Carney commended the resilience of Tumbler Ridge, urging unity during this harrowing time. The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence and provide updates to the community.