TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia — An 18-year-old former student has been identified by Canadian police as the suspected shooter in one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada in decades, authorities confirmed following the tragic attack in the remote town of Tumbler Ridge.

The Shooting and Victims

On Feb. 10, 2026, the tranquility of this small northern British Columbian community was shattered when a gunman opened fire, first at a private residence and then at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Police say the suspect first shot and killed their 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at a home before proceeding to the school, where multiple students and a teacher were shot.

At the school, the victims included a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old girls, and two boys aged 12 and 13. Authorities say a total of nine people died in the incident — the shooter included — and at least 27 others were injured, including some critically.

Suspect Identified

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed the suspected shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old with a history of prior interactions with police related to mental health concerns and previous firearms seizures at the family home. During the incident response, officers recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the scene.

Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said Van Rootselaar was found dead at the school of an apparent self-inflicted injury, and investigators do not believe any additional suspects remain at large.

Identity and Background

Police and officials told reporters that Van Rootselaar had previously been identified in media alerts by description, and the RCMP later clarified details of their identity. Van Rootselaar was described in public records as a biological male who began transitioning approximately six years ago and identified publicly and socially as female. Authorities stated there is no indication at this time that any of the victims were specifically targeted and noted the motive remains under investigation.

Community Impact

The massacre has deeply affected the close-knit town of just a few thousand people. Local schools remain closed as families and classmates grapple with loss and fear. The provincial government and Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed grief, with Carney ordering flags at government buildings to be flown at half-staff and promising support for the victims and their families.

“This was the unimaginable tragedy no community ever expects,” Tumbler Ridge’s mayor said, noting the town’s small size makes the losses felt especially profound.

Ongoing Investigation

Police have said they are continuing their inquiry into how the suspect obtained or accessed weapons and are reviewing all available evidence to better understand what motivated the attack. Despite previous police visits to the home for mental health-related concerns, authorities have not yet released information about any specific incident trigger or definitive motive.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, The Guardian, CNN