RCMP have identified the suspect in Tuesday’s mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC, that left nine people dead and 27 others injured.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, commanding officer for RCMP in BC, confirmed Wednesday that the suspect is 18-year-old local resident Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Police said the suspect identified as female and had previous interactions with police related to mental health over the past several years, including being apprehended under the Mental Health Act.
McDonald said officers had previously responded to the suspect’s home for mental health-related calls, some of which involved weapons. Firearms were seized at one point but were later returned after the lawful owner successfully petitioned to have them reinstated.
Police confirmed two firearms — a long gun and a modified handgun — were recovered from the suspect. Investigators say determining how the weapons were used will form a significant part of the ongoing investigation.
RCMP clarified Wednesday that a total of nine people were killed, correcting an earlier report of 10 deaths. Police initially believed a critically injured female victim had died, but later confirmed she remains alive after being airlifted to hospital in serious condition.
Among those killed at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School was a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students, ages 12 and 13.
Related: At least 10 dead after mass school shooting in northern BC
One victim was located in a stairwell hallway, while the others were found in the school library.
Two additional victims — a 39-year-old woman and 11-year-old boy — were found dead at a residence connected to the suspect. Police believe they were the suspect’s mother and step-brother.
One of the victims listed in serious condition has been identified as a 12-year-old girl who was airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
In a public post, the girl’s mother said her daughter suffered gunshot wounds to the head and neck and is fighting for her life.
“Today started as any other,” the mother wrote. “Now, however, my 12-year-old daughter is fighting for her life while they try to repair the damage from a gunshot wound to the head. And one to the neck.”
In a later update, the mother said doctors warned that the damage to her daughter’s brain may be too severe for her to survive the night.
“She’s here… for how long we don’t know. Our baby needs a miracle,” she wrote, adding that the community has been shattered by the tragedy.
Police have not released the names of the injured victims.
McDonald said officers from the five-member Tumbler Ridge RCMP detachment arrived within two minutes of the initial call and encountered gunfire upon arrival.
The suspect was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Once the scene was secured, officers evacuated more than 100 students and staff to a nearby community centre while police ensured there were no ongoing threats.
Those with possible injuries were taken to the local medical clinic for assessment, and two victims with serious injuries were airlifted to hospital.
RCMP said there is no evidence of additional suspects and no ongoing threat to the public.
“We understand the community has questions and wants to understand the motive behind this tragic incident. We do believe the suspect acted alone and there are currently no other outstanding suspects,” said Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, BC RCMP Commanding Officer
“Our investigators remain on scene, actively gathering information to determine the full circumstances of what transpired.”
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which has approximately 175 students in Grades 7 to 12, remains closed along with Tumbler Ridge Elementary School for the rest of the week.
Premier David Eby and Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger are travelling to Tumbler Ridge to meet with community members, leadership and officials on the ground.
They are joined by federal ministers representing the federal government. Provincial resources, including mental health and victim services professionals, are being mobilized to support the community.
In a joint statement, the province’s three House leaders announced the planned Throne Speech has been cancelled. Thursday, February 12th, will be proclaimed a provincial day of mourning.
The legislative assembly will observe a moment of silence at noon before adjourning, and the lieutenant governor will deliver a speech dedicated to the people of Tumbler Ridge later that afternoon.
Leaders in Canada and internationally, including King Charles, have expressed solidarity with the community.
Anyone in need of support in BC can call the Mental Health Support line at 310-6789. Kids Help Phone is available at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868.
