Canada Shaken by Deadliest School Shooting in Four Decades as Female Suspect Opens Fire

Canada in Mourning After Horrific Mass Shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. By Staff Writers — Updated February 12, 2026. Canada is grappling with unprecedented grief and shock following a devastating mass shooting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the remote town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

The attack, which occurred at both a secondary school and a nearby residence, claimed the lives of nine people and injured at least 27 others — making it one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in Canadian history.The tight‑knit community, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and home to about 2,700 residents, is now confronting a tragedy that has reverberated across the entire nation and beyond.

A Day That Changed a Community Forever

The events unfolded in the early afternoon of February 10, shortly after 1:20 p.m. local time, when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School — a public school serving approximately 175 students in grades 7 through 12.

Within minutes, officers were on the scene responding to one of the worst mass shootings Canada has seen in decades.

According to authorities, the suspected shooter first attacked a private residence before proceeding to the school.

At the residence, two individuals — later identified as the suspect’s mother and stepbrother — were found deceased from gunshot wounds. Investigators believe this early act was part of the attack that culminated at the school later that afternoon.

What Happened Inside the School

When police entered Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, they found six people dead inside the building. A seventh person later died while being transported to a hospital.

Most of the victims at the school were reported to be students between 12 and 13 years old, along with one adult educator.In total, nine people lost their lives as a result of the shootings — eight victims and the suspect herself — and 27 others suffered injuries, including several with serious injuries.

At least two of the injured were airlifted out of Tumbler Ridge for advanced medical care due to the severity of their wounds.

A complete list of the victims’ identities has not been released publicly as of this writing, out of respect for families and pending official notifications.

Local authorities have urged compassion and privacy as they navigate the enormity of the loss.

Lockdown, Evacuation, and First Responders

Upon receiving the report of an active shooter, local law enforcement and emergency services acted swiftly.

RCMP officers arrived in just two minutes, according to statements from British Columbia officials, and immediately initiated a lockdown and evacuation of the school.

Students and staff were instructed to shelter in place, lock doors, and secure classrooms.

Videos captured outside the school showed students exiting with their hands raised as police vehicles surrounded the building and a helicopter circled overhead, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of the situation.

Teachers, staff, and fellow students worked together to barricade doors and keep classmates safe until first responders could secure the area.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion and terror as the community realized that the threat was real and present in their normally peaceful town.

Profile of the Suspect

In an official update, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that the suspected shooter was 18‑year‑old Jesse Van Rootselaar of Tumbler Ridge, who was later found dead inside the school from what appeared to be a self‑inflicted gunshot wound.

Law enforcement has said that at the time of the shooting the suspect was acting alone, and that no further threat to the public was believed to exist.

Van Rootselaar, described initially in an emergency public alert as “a female in a dress with brown hair,” had reportedly transitioned six years prior and was known locally.

Police told reporters that the suspect had a history of poor mental health and prior contact with law enforcement related to those concerns, and that in earlier interactions authorities had seized firearms from the home.

However, a firearms licence held by Van Rootselaar had expired in 2024, and they did not have registered ownership of any weapons at the time of the attack.

Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect’s background, mental health history, and possible motives for the attack.

As of this writing, no manifesto or explanation from the suspect has been publicly released, and officials have stated that determining a definitive motive may be challenging.

Community Reaction and Support

The Tumbler Ridge community has been left reeling from the magnitude of the tragedy. With a population where many residents know one another personally, the loss has struck deep emotional wounds.Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the moment he learned about the multiple fatalities as “devastating” and said he knew many of the victims personally. He called the town “a big family” and emphasized that residents are now supporting each other through grief.

Local clergy, emergency personnel, and volunteers have gathered to provide comfort and assistance to families awaiting news.

Community centres have become hubs for grief counselling, vigils, and mutual support, as both adults and children try to make sense of what happened on what otherwise would have been a typical winter day.

Political Leaders Respond

National and provincial leaders have expressed profound condolences and solidarity with Tumbler Ridge and all Canadians affected by the tragedy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement saying he was “devastated” by the shootings and that his thoughts were with families who had lost loved ones.

Carney also praised the bravery of first responders and police officers who acted quickly to contain the situation and protect others.

British Columbia Premier David Eby described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” and urged citizens across the province to look after one another and provide ongoing support for the community. He announced that provincial resources would be made available for counselling, trauma services, and long‑term support for victims and their families.

Flags have been lowered to half‑mast in many locations across the country in tribute to the victims, and national moments of silence have been observed in memory of the deceased.A Rare But Deadly Event in Canada’s History

Mass shootings, especially at schools, are uncommon in Canada compared with some other countries. However, when they do occur, they leave a profound imprint on public consciousness and public policy discussions.

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is being compared to past tragic acts of violence in Canadian history, including:

• The 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, where 14 women were killed in a gender‑based attack that led to significant gun law reforms.
• The 2020 Nova Scotia rampage, a 13‑hour spree that left 22 people dead and prompted renewed calls for stricter firearm regulations.

After the Nova Scotia attacks, Canada enacted more restrictive gun control laws, including bans on many “assault‑style” firearms and expanded buyback programs.

Nevertheless, the Tumbler Ridge tragedy has reignited debates about prevention, mental health support, and firearm access in rural and urban communities alike.

Investigation Ongoing

RCMP officials have confirmed that police recovered two firearms at the school — a long gun and a modified handgun — but the investigation into how those weapons were obtained and used is ongoing.

Forensic teams continue to analyze ballistic evidence, and authorities are conducting interviews and reviewing digital data as part of a comprehensive inquiry.

While law enforcement has identified the suspect, they are urging patience as they complete the meticulous work of piecing together the full sequence of events and any underlying factors.

Officials have stated that they are reviewing all potential connections between the suspect and the victims and have not ruled out any lines of inquiry.

Impact on Students and Families

For the students and families of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, the trauma of the shooting will be felt for years to come. Hundreds of students were evacuated safely from the building during the attack. Many families rushed to the scene upon hearing the alarm, only to be met with confusion, fear, and heartbreak.

Counselling services have been made available immediately, with schools and local health authorities coordinating support for students, parents, and staff.

Professional trauma counsellors are assisting those impacted by grief, shock, and anxiety stemming from the incident.

A Community United in Grief and Resilience

In the wake of this profound loss, the residents of Tumbler Ridge have shown remarkable unity and compassion. Neighbours have opened their homes, offered meals and comfort, and stood together during vigils and memorials to remember those lost.

Clergy and community leaders have emphasized the importance of collective healing, faulting no single individual but focusing instead on supporting one another through shared sorrow.

Volunteers, from first responders to mental health professionals, have mobilized in unprecedented ways to assist a town in crisis.

Looking Ahead

The Tumbler Ridge mass shooting of February 10, 2026, has carved a deep wound into the fabric of a small Canadian community — and into the nation’s collective memory.

As investigations continue, and as families and friends mourn lost loved ones, broader conversations about public safety, mental health, community resources, and gun policy are likely to persist across Canada.

For now, however, the focus remains on supporting those directly affected, honoring the victims, and helping a community find a path forward after a day that will never be forgotten.