Tumbler Ridge Shooting: A Nation Grapples with Unthinkable Loss
Canada is reeling after a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10, 2026, leaving nine people dead, including the perpetrator. The 18-year-old shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed her mother and half-brother at their home before opening fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she killed five students and an education assistant before taking her own life. Twenty-seven others were injured.
The “Hunting” Motive and a Community in Shock
Authorities have described the attack as a case of the shooter “hunting” for victims, indicating a lack of specific targeting. According to Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the RCMP, Van Rootselaar was “prepared and engaging anybody and everybody they could approach into contact with.” This chilling detail underscores the randomness and terror of the event.
The small mining town of Tumbler Ridge, population 2,399 as of the 2021 census, is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. The community, known for its resilience, is now focused on mourning the loss of six children aged 11 to 13, along with the adults who were killed.
Political Response and National Mourning
Prime Minister Mark Carney, accompanied by leaders from all opposition parties, is visiting Tumbler Ridge to demonstrate national solidarity. This unified response highlights the severity of the incident and its impact on the entire country. Carney previously addressed parliament, describing the victims as having “bore witness to unheard-of cruelty” and praising Tumbler Ridge as a community representing “the very best of Canada.”
Victims Remembered: Stories of Loss and Resilience
The victims are being remembered for their vibrant personalities and promising futures. Sarah Lampert, the mother of 12-year-old Tacaria Lampert, spoke emotionally about her daughter, describing her as having “a beautiful, strong voice that was silenced.” Zoey Benoit, also 12, was remembered as “resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet.” Ezekial Schofield, 13, is mourned by his grandfather, Peter Schofield, who expressed his disbelief and grief on Facebook.
The Shooter’s Background and Mental Health
The RCMP has released a photograph of Jesse Van Rootselaar, showing her wearing a hoodie with an expressionless face. Authorities have confirmed she had known mental health issues. Her father, Justin Van Rootselaar, issued a statement expressing his sorrow and offering condolences for the “senseless and unforgivable act of violence.”
A Community Seeking Normalcy Amidst Grief
Despite the tragedy, life is slowly returning to Tumbler Ridge. The community centre, while marked by a sign requesting media distance, hosted an ice rink filled with children playing hockey. A vigil is planned at the town hall, built 45 years ago, located 1,180kms north of Vancouver.
Did you know?
The Tumbler Ridge shooting is the deadliest mass shooting in Canada since the Nova Scotia attacks in 2020 and the deadliest school shooting since the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989.
FAQ
Q: Who was the perpetrator of the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
A: Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old.
Q: Where did the shooting capture place?
A: Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, at a residence and Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Q: How many people were killed in the shooting?
A: Nine people were killed, including the perpetrator.
Q: What was the motive behind the shooting?
A: Authorities have stated the shooter was “hunting” and did not have specific targets.
Pro Tip:
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. Resources are available, and you are not alone.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and condolences in the comments below. For more information on supporting the community of Tumbler Ridge, please visit CBC News.
