The father of the suspect in the Tumbler Ridge shooting tragedy has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims and shed light on his relationship with his child. The suspected shooter, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, tragically took the lives of eight individuals before ending his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Justin VanRootselaar, the biological father, shared a touching statement following the devastating events:
“In moments like these, words seem inadequate to express the collective sorrow we bear. The impact of this tragedy has left a lasting ache in our tight-knit community, where faces are familiar and bonds run deep. To the families who are grieving, and to all those affected by this senseless act of violence, my sincerest condolences. The depth of your pain is unimaginable, and you are in my thoughts and prayers as we navigate this profound sadness together.
As the father of the individual responsible, I grapple with a sorrow beyond words. Estranged from Jesse and excluded from his life, the absence of a parental role weighs heavily on me. Despite our estrangement and his choice not to carry our family name, my heart breaks for the innocent lives lost and the impact on our beloved town.
Now is a time for compassion, for unity, and for supporting those who are mourning unfathomable losses.
While we honor your grief, we kindly request the same respect for ours. No further statements will be made during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Justin VanRootselaar”
The mother of the suspect, Jennifer Jacobs, is among the deceased victims, although the father’s relationship with her has not been confirmed.
As the community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., along with Canada and the global community, grapple with this tragedy, details about the suspect’s troubled life are coming to light. Reports mention a court ruling highlighting the family’s transient lifestyle and a gaming company removing her account, linked to a simulation of a mall shooting.
Law enforcement has disclosed multiple visits to Van Rootselaar’s residence due to mental health concerns, where she lived with Jacobs and Jacobs’ 11-year-old son, Emmett. The RCMP suspects that Van Rootselaar first took the lives of the family members at home before carrying out the tragic events at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.