The BC RCMP has identified a suspect in the tragic mass shooting that took place in Tumbler Ridge, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and numerous injuries on Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities have named 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the alleged shooter, who reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.
BC RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald recounted the harrowing events, stating that officers encountered active gunfire upon arrival at the school. Despite facing gunfire, law enforcement swiftly entered the premises, ultimately locating the deceased shooter within minutes. The recovery of two firearms, including a long gun and a modified handgun, underscores the ongoing investigation into the shooting’s origins.
Van Rootselaar, a resident of the close-knit community of Tumbler Ridge, perpetrated the tragic event. The school shooting resulted in multiple casualties, with over 25 individuals sustaining injuries and a heartbreaking loss of nine lives, including that of the suspect.
McDonald further elaborated on the victims, revealing that those who tragically lost their lives included an adult female educator, three female students, and two male students aged between 13 and 17. Additionally, two more individuals, an adult female, and a male youth, were found deceased in a nearby residence.
Efforts to secure the area and ensure the safety of students and faculty culminated in the evacuation of over 100 individuals to a nearby community center. Medical attention was swiftly provided to those injured, with two individuals in critical condition airlifted to a hospital for further treatment.
The tragic events in Tumbler Ridge have deeply impacted the small community, with authorities continuing their investigations to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.