Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia — Residents are in shock and mourning after a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School claimed nine lives and left at least 27 others injured, marking a tragic chapter in Canadian history.
The violence erupted on Tuesday, February 10, shortly after 1 p.m. MST in the small town of approximately 2,400 people, located about 685 miles northeast of Vancouver amid the Rocky Mountains. A rapid police response ensued after reports of an active shooter triggered a lockdown that lasted nearly four and a half hours. The lockdown was lifted around 5:45 p.m. PT, once authorities secured the situation.
Inside the school, officers discovered six victims who had tragically lost their lives. The shooter was also found at the scene, succumbing to what officials described as a “self-inflicted injury.” Additionally, two other victims were discovered at a nearby residence, bringing the total fatalities to nine, including the gunman. One critically injured individual was airlifted to a hospital and is now recovering.
Emergency responders rushed to transport 27 injured individuals to local hospitals, with two reported to be in serious or potentially life-threatening condition.
Authorities have identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a former student of the school. At a news briefing, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald shared that Van Rootselaar, a Tumbler Ridge native, began transitioning to female six years ago. The reasons behind this devastating attack remain under investigation.
As the crisis unfolded, students barricaded themselves in their classrooms, terrified and uncertain. Grade 12 student Darian Quist recalled building makeshift barriers with tables, describing the experience as “almost surreal.”
Parents of the students expressed their fears and heartbreak. Bryan Castellarin, whose son Ashton survived, recounted the panic as gunshots erupted. “My son tried to comfort others,” Castellarin said, “but he’s shaken and scared after such a traumatic experience.”
When law enforcement was finally able to secure the building, students were escorted out with their hands raised as a precautionary measure. Officers responded within two minutes of the initial call — a quick response that officials credit with saving lives.
The community, founded in the early 1980s primarily to support coal mining, is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. Mayor Darryl Krakow stressed the intimate connections within such a small town. “I will know every victim. I don’t call them residents; I call them family,” he stated.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mark Carney directed flags at federal buildings to fly at half-staff for a week and canceled his trip to the Munich Security Conference to stay in Canada during this trying time. “The nation grieves with you, and Canada stands with you,” Carney said in a visibly emotional address.
Expressions of condolence poured in from around the world. Leaders, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, expressed their shock and sadness at the senseless act of violence. Many others, including hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser and members of the Toronto Blue Jays, shared their sympathies, highlighting the outpouring of support for the grieving town.
Families are left with heart-wrenching memories of their loved ones. Among the victims were predominantly young students aged 12 to 13, regarded as joyful and loving by their families. The RCMP released names of the eight lives lost in the shootings, including 12-year-old Zoey Benoit, who was described by her family as compassionate and resilient.
The tragic incident has united a community in grief, as Tumbler Ridge begins its long journey toward healing. Authorities continue to investigate this incident, aiming to provide answers in the face of profound loss.