An 18-year-old woman is identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar is the suspect in one of Canada’s worst school shootings, killing eight people before taking her own life, as police investigate the motive and her mental health history.
Canadian police have identified an 18-year-old woman as the suspect behind a deadly school shooting in the small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, one of the worst attacks in the country’s history.
Authorities said the suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, first killed her mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at home before going to her former school where she opened fire on students and staff. She later died by suicide when police arrived.
Death toll and victims
Police revised the death toll to nine people, including the shooter, down from the initial figure of 10.
Among those killed were a teacher and multiple students aged 12 to 13. Dozens more were injured, with several critically wounded.
The attack has shocked Canada, where school shootings are rare compared to the United States.
Possible reason behind the attack
Investigators say the suspect acted alone and had a history of mental health interventions. Police had previously visited the family home several times under the provincial Mental Health Act, but officials stressed it is too early to determine a clear motive.
“We do believe the suspect acted alone … it would be too early to speculate on motive,” said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald.
Authorities recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the scene.
National reaction
Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered flags at half-mast for seven days and canceled an overseas trip, calling the tragedy a moment of national mourning.
The shooting ranks among Canada’s deadliest mass attacks, drawing comparisons to the 2020 Nova Scotia rampage that killed 22 people and the 1989 Montreal massacre that left 14 students dead.
Residents held vigils in the tight-knit town of about 2,400 people, struggling to comprehend the violence.
Police continue investigating how the weapons were obtained and what led to the attack, while families across the country mourn victims of a tragedy rarely seen in Canada.
