Suspect Identified as 18-Year-Old Woman with Mental Health History
Canadian police have identified the suspect in one of the country’s deadliest school shootings. The attacker was 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. Authorities confirmed she had a history of mental health issues.
The shooting took place on Tuesday in Tumbler Ridge, a remote community in British Columbia. Nine people were killed in the attack. The suspect later died by suicide. Police initially reported 10 deaths but later revised the toll to nine.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police spoke at a press conference. He said officers had visited the suspect’s family home several times in recent years. These visits were related to mental health concerns.
Police said the suspect acted alone. Investigators are still working to determine a motive. Officials said it is too early to speculate on the reasons behind the violence.
Authorities revealed that the suspect first killed her mother, 39, and her 11-year-old stepbrother at their home. She then went to a local school. There, she shot and killed a 39-year-old female teacher. Three 12-year-old girls were also killed. Two boys, aged 12 and 13, were among the victims.
Police confirmed there are no outstanding suspects. The investigation remains ongoing. Officers are examining evidence and speaking with witnesses.
Prime Minister Responds to “Terrible” Shooting
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation following the tragic event. He appeared visibly emotional during his remarks. He described the shooting as “terrible.”
Carney postponed a planned trip to Europe. He ordered flags on all federal government buildings to be flown at half-mast for seven days. The move was meant to honor the victims.
“We will get through this. We will learn from this,” Carney said. He urged Canadians to come together in support of the grieving families. He called on communities to mourn together and show unity during this difficult time.
Several world leaders offered condolences. King Charles, Canada’s head of state, said he was “profoundly shocked and saddened” by the tragedy. Messages of sympathy poured in from across the globe.
Local provincial legislator Larry Neufeld spoke about the impact on Tumbler Ridge. He said the community is devastated. He described the pain as overwhelming.
“There’s not a word in the English language that’s strong enough to describe the level of devastation,” Neufeld said. He added that healing will require courage and significant effort.
One of the Deadliest Shootings in Canadian History
The British Columbia school shooting ranks among the deadliest in Canadian history. Canada has stricter gun laws than the United States. Firearm ownership requires a valid licence.
Despite these regulations, mass shootings have occurred in the past. In April 2020, a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 22 people during a 13-hour rampage. He was later shot by police.
Canada’s worst school shooting happened in December 1989. A gunman killed 14 female students at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. He then took his own life.
The latest tragedy has renewed debate about gun control and mental health services in Canada. Experts say communities must address warning signs earlier. Officials continue to investigate how this attack unfolded.
The people of Tumbler Ridge now face a long road to recovery. Vigils and memorials are expected in the coming days. Canadians across the country are mourning the victims of this heartbreaking school shooting.
