On February 10, 2026, the quiet mountain town of Tumbler Ridge was shaken by one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in recent Canadian history. Shortly after 1:20 p.m., gunfire erupted at a residence and later at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar allegedly killed two family members at home before entering the school, where five students and a staff member were fatally shot. The suspect later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In total, nine people died, and at least 27 others were injured.
The tragedy has left the close-knit community grieving. Vigils, memorials, and counseling services have been organized to support families, students, and first responders. Leaders across Canada expressed condolences, while local officials pledged long-term mental health support and a careful, trauma-informed path toward healing.
