Tumbler Ridge Shooter Identified - RCMP
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Flags at Half-Staff as RCMP Confirm Nine Dead in Tumbler Ridge School Shooting
February 11 2026 - Flags across Canada, including here at the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP detachment, are flying at half-staff in support of the victims and families affected by Tuesday’s mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.
BC RCMP confirmed Wednesday that nine people, including the gunman, are dead following the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Two young women remain in serious condition in hospital.
Tumbler Ridge RCMP received a report of an active shooter at approximately 1:20 p.m. PST on Feb. 10. A Police Initiated Public Alert was issued as officers responded, with local members arriving within two minutes of the initial call.
RCMP say there was active gunfire when officers arrived, and shots were fired in their direction as they approached the school.
Officers entered the building and within minutes located the suspect deceased from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury.
Police have identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a resident of Tumbler Ridge.
RCMP said they believe he acted alone and there are no outstanding suspects.
Two firearms, a long gun and a modified handgun, were recovered.
Investigators are working to determine the origin of the weapons and their role in the shootings.
Victims
Police corrected information released Tuesday, confirming that nine people in total died as a result of the incident, including the suspect.
Those killed at the school include:
A 39-year-old female educator
Three 12-year-old female students
Two male students, aged 12 and 13
Two additional victims, a 39-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy — were found deceased at a local residence.
Two female victims, aged 12 and 19, were airlifted to hospital and remain in serious condition. Police clarified that an earlier report stating one of the seriously injured victims had died was incorrect.
Approximately 25 individuals were initially assessed for possible injuries. After medical evaluation at the local clinic, no discernible physical injuries were identified among those assessed.
More than 100 students and staff were evacuated to the community centre during the response.
Ongoing Investigation
BC RCMP Major Crime has taken conduct of the investigation and continues to gather evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shootings.
“There has been speculation within the community regarding the relationship between the shooter and some of the victims,” police stated. “All of that remains part of the active investigation, and we are not in a position to publicly confirm any specifics at this time.”
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, BC RCMP Commanding Officer, said investigators remain on scene.
“We understand the community has questions and wants to understand the motive behind this tragic incident. We do believe the suspect acted alone and there are currently no other outstanding suspects. Our investigators remain on scene, actively gathering information to determine the full circumstances of what transpired.”
Additional policing resources have been deployed to support the investigation and maintain regular operations in the community.
Residents of the Tumbler Ridge area requiring support are asked to attend the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre at 340 Front Street.
Tumbler Ridge Shooter Identified - RCMP