Canada school shooting suspect identified after attack

Published: 12 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Authorities in Canada have identified an 18-year-old as the suspect responsible for one of the deadliest acts of violence in the country’s recent history, after a shooting in the small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, left eight people dead and dozens injured, shattering the sense of safety long associated with the quiet mountain town. Police confirmed that Jesse Van Rootselaar was found dead at the scene from what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing a swift end to the attack but leaving behind unanswered questions about motive, warning signs, and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.

The violence unfolded in two locations within a short span of time. Investigators believe the first incident occurred at a nearby home, where two victims were discovered dead: the suspect’s mother, aged 39, and an 11-year-old stepbrother. From there, authorities say, the suspect travelled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a modest campus serving roughly 160 students from grades seven through twelve, and opened fire shortly after 13:30 local time. Within minutes, police received reports of an active shooter and rushed to the scene, arriving in approximately two minutes. Officers reported hearing gunfire as they entered the building, and moments later they located the suspect deceased.

Inside the school, the devastation was immediate and profound. Six people were killed, including a 39-year-old female educator and five students, most of them just 12 years old. Among the victims were three girls aged 12, a 12-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old boy. At least 25 others were injured, some seriously, and two victims were airlifted to hospital where they remain under medical care. The scale of the attack stunned investigators as well as residents of the town, which has a population of about 2,400 and is known for its close-knit character and remote, peaceful surroundings.

Police recovered two firearms at the school, described as a long gun and a modified handgun, though officials said it remains unclear which weapons were used at specific stages of the attack. Authorities also confirmed that the suspect had previously held a valid firearms licence that had since lapsed. That detail has prompted renewed debate in Canada about gun regulations, monitoring systems, and the challenges of tracking individuals whose legal access to weapons changes over time.

Investigators disclosed that Van Rootselaar had been known to police for several years prior to the tragedy. Officers had attended the family residence on multiple occasions, some of which were linked to mental health concerns. British Columbia Premier David Eby told reporters that authorities have begun reaching out to public health agencies to better understand what interactions, if any, may have taken place between the suspect and mental health services. Officials stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that determining motive is a priority, though they cautioned that clear answers may take time to emerge.

During a press briefing, Royal Canadian Mounted Police deputy commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that the suspect had been born biologically male and had identified as female for approximately six years. He noted that this information was being shared strictly for identification purposes and emphasised that investigators were focused on establishing a comprehensive timeline of events rather than drawing premature conclusions about underlying causes. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly urged the public to avoid speculation while the inquiry continues.

Community grief has been visible and deeply felt in the days following the attack. Hundreds of residents gathered in Tumbler Ridge’s main square for a vigil, standing shoulder to shoulder in silence, lighting candles, and placing photographs and flowers near a tree that quickly became a memorial site. Some mourners wept openly while others embraced in quiet solidarity, their shared sorrow reflecting the intimacy of a town where many residents know one another personally. One attendee, Gigi Rejano, told reporters that schools should always be places of safety, her words echoing the disbelief and anguish expressed by parents across the region.

Similar scenes unfolded in Vancouver, where another vigil took place outside the British Columbia legislature. Raj Chouhan, speaker of the legislature, addressed those gathered and spoke of unity in the face of tragedy, saying communities must come together in compassion and support for those directly affected. His remarks captured a sentiment felt across Canada, where messages of condolence have poured in from political leaders, educators, and citizens alike.

Prime Minister Mark Carney described the attack as an act of “unheard of cruelty,” noting that students and teachers had endured unimaginable trauma. He emphasised that several victims remain in hospital fighting for their lives and pledged that federal authorities would assist provincial investigators in any way required. The prime minister’s statement underscored the national impact of the event, which has prompted reflection on school safety, youth mental health, and the responsibilities of institutions to identify early warning signs.

Mayor Darryl Krakowka of Tumbler Ridge spoke emotionally about the town’s response, describing the community as “one big family” now united in mourning. In small municipalities, he explained, tragedies resonate differently because personal connections run deep. Teachers are neighbours, classmates are lifelong friends, and families often share generations of history. That closeness, he said, makes the loss particularly painful but also strengthens the resolve to support one another through grief.

Authorities confirmed that they do not believe any other suspects were involved and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Nevertheless, the investigation is expected to be extensive, involving forensic analysis, interviews with acquaintances, and a review of digital records. Officials are seeking to reconstruct the suspect’s movements in the hours and days leading up to the shootings, hoping to identify factors that might explain the sequence of events.

The tragedy has reignited broader conversations about violence prevention, mental health support, and the role of community vigilance. Experts note that while such incidents are statistically rare in Canada compared with some other countries, their impact is profound and long-lasting. Survivors, witnesses, and first responders often carry psychological scars long after physical wounds heal, making counselling services and community outreach essential components of recovery.

In Tumbler Ridge, those efforts are already under way. Crisis support teams have been deployed to assist students, families, and school staff as they process the shock. Flags across the region have been lowered to half-mast, and local organisations have begun fundraising to help affected families with medical costs and funeral expenses. Schools in neighbouring districts have held moments of silence, and messages of solidarity have arrived from across the country and beyond.

As investigators continue their work, the town faces the difficult task of mourning while searching for meaning in an event that defies easy explanation. For many residents, the focus remains on remembering the victims rather than the perpetrator, honouring lives cut short and offering comfort to those left behind. In the quiet streets of this mountain community, candles still flicker at makeshift memorials, their light a fragile but persistent symbol of resilience amid sorrow.