At least nine people were killed in a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on February 10, with police identifying the alleged suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who identified as “transgender.”
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed officers responded to reports of an active shooter at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time. Inside the school, officers found six victims dead from gunshot wounds, along with the suspect, who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted injury.
Investigators later identified a secondary location connected to the attack. Two additional victims were found dead inside a residence and were identified as the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother. A ninth victim later died after initially being reported alive.
Police said Van Rootselaar had previously attended the school before dropping out roughly four years ago. Authorities confirmed the suspect identified as female but was male at birth.
Weapons And Prior Police Contact
RCMP said officers had previously responded to the suspect’s residence for mental health-related calls. During prior visits, weapons were reportedly seized under Canadian law but later returned following a petition by the lawful owner.
Two firearms — a long gun and a modified handgun — were recovered inside the school. Police said neither weapon was registered to Van Rootselaar, whose firearms license expired in 2024.
The six victims killed inside the school included a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13. Two additional victims were airlifted to a hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries.
“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” Superintendent Ken Floyd said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident.”
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
National Response
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated by the horrific shootings.”
“My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” Carney wrote on X.
Broader Context
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a Minneapolis school shooting in August involved a suspect who identified as “transgender.” Authorities have not released a motive in the British Columbia case.
The attack also comes amid ongoing reassessment of medical standards for minors experiencing gender dysphoria. Earlier this month, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommended delaying gender-related surgical procedures until at least age 19, stating there is “insufficient evidence demonstrating a favorable risk-benefit ratio” and warning of “treatment complications and potential harms.”
The investigation remains ongoing.