Tragedy in Tumbler Ridge: Nine Dead in School Shooting

On February 10, 2026, a tragic event took place in Tumbler Ridge, a small town in British Columbia, Canada. A mass shooting resulted in the deaths of nine people and injured more than 25 others. The incident started at a home and continued at a local school. The community is now facing a period of grief and reflection. The shooter was identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was a former student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The sequence of events began at her residence, where she killed her mother and her 11-year-old stepbrother. After this, she went to the school. At the school, Van Rootselaar killed five students and an education assistant, a 39-year-old who worked there. Two others were seriously injured and airlifted to hospitals in critical condition. The shooter then died from a self-inflicted wound inside the school building. The small community of Tumbler Ridge, with approximately 2,400 residents, is deeply affected by this tragedy. The local school, which serves about 175 students from grades 7 to 12, has decided to remain closed for the rest of the week to support students and staff. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are now investigating the case to understand the motive behind the shooting. They are also looking into any possible connections between the shooter and the victims. The government leaders have responded to the event with condolences and support. Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby have both offered their sympathies to the families affected and to the wider community. Canada has strict laws to control firearms. These include bans on assault-style weapons and a freeze on handgun sales. Despite these measures, this incident has raised questions about safety and gun regulations. This tragedy is considered Canada’s deadliest mass shooting since the attacks in Nova Scotia in 2020. It is also the most severe school shooting since the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989. Important details from the investigation show that the shooter’s actions caused significant loss of life and injury. The victims at the school included five students aged 12 to 13, and a 39-year-old education assistant. The large number of wounded underscores the severity of the incident. The community’s response has been focused on mourning and providing support. Local authorities and mental health services are working to help those affected. The investigation continues to determine the exact reason why this tragic event occurred. This incident highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure safety in schools and communities. Authorities emphasize the need for careful review of security measures and support for vulnerable individuals to prevent future tragedies. The small town of Tumbler Ridge is now in a period of mourning. The community hopes for healing and justice as investigations progress and as people remember those who lost their lives.