Canadian Authorities Identify 18-Year-Old Woman as Suspect in Shooting That Killed Nine

Nine people are dead, including an 18-year-old suspect, following a shooting spree at a private residence and a secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified the shooter on Wednesday as Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died by suicide at the scene. The death toll was revised down from an initial report of 10 after authorities confirmed one victim previously thought dead is in serious condition.

The attack began Tuesday at a family home, where Van Rootselaar killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother. She then proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she killed a 39-year-old teacher and five students: three 12-year-old girls, one 12-year-old boy, and one 13-year-old boy. Two additional victims were airlifted to a hospital and remain in critical but stable condition. While initial reports indicated 25 people were injured, police clarified on Wednesday that 25 individuals were assessed for injuries, but the majority were not physically harmed.

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that police had visited the suspect's home multiple times in recent years for mental health assessments. Authorities recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the school. While firearms were seized from the residence two years ago, they were later returned following a successful appeal by the owner. Van Rootselaar’s own firearms license had expired in 2024.

Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered flags on government buildings to be flown at half-mast for seven days and postponed a scheduled trip to Europe. The town of Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of approximately 2,400 people, remains under investigation as schools stay closed for the remainder of the week.