On February 10, 2026, the tranquil town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, experienced a tragedy that would forever mark its history and leave an indelible scar on the hearts of its residents.
The normally quiet, close-knit community, known for its scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains, abundant wildlife, and a strong mining heritage, became the site of one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.
Eighteen-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar carried out an attack that left nine people dead — including children, an educational assistant, and members of the suspect’s own family — and dozens more wounded, shaking the town’s sense of safety to its core.
With a population of roughly 2,400 people, Tumbler Ridge is a community where most residents know each other personally. Schools, local businesses, and community events foster a close bond, and violent incidents of any magnitude are virtually unheard of.
The February shooting shattered this sense of security, confronting the town with the unimaginable reality of extreme violence in a place where daily life had previously been defined by simplicity, natural beauty, and neighborly care.
The Beginning of Violence: Fellers Avenue
The first acts of violence occurred in the early afternoon at a residence on Fellers Avenue, a modest street lined with single-family homes, where neighbors often greet each other and children play freely in the yards. According to official statements from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Jesse Van Rootselaar began the attack by fatally shooting two family members before moving toward Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, the local public school serving grades 7 through 12.
The victims at the home were identified as:
Jennifer Jacobs, 39 – the suspect’s mother
Emmett Jacobs, 11 – the suspect’s stepbrother
Police indicated that prior to the shooting, law enforcement had interacted with the family multiple times over concerns related to mental health and welfare. On at least one occasion, firearms had been temporarily removed from the home under the Mental Health Act, only to be returned later under legal petition by the lawful owner. These interactions, while intended to safeguard the household, tragically could not prevent the violence that unfolded on that February afternoon.
Neighbors described the scene with shock and disbelief. Some recalled hearing gunshots and seeing emergency vehicles rushing to the area. “It felt unreal,” one neighbor said. “You never think this could happen here, in our quiet streets. It’s a pain that you can’t describe.”
The Attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School
By approximately 1:20 p.m. local time, the focus of the violence shifted to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small educational institution with fewer than 200 students enrolled. It was a school where classrooms were designed for small groups, hallways echoed with the laughter of children, and teachers and staff cultivated close, personal relationships with students.
Van Rootselaar entered the school armed with multiple firearms, including a long gun and a modified handgun, both of which were later recovered by investigators. Reports suggest that he moved quickly through the campus, firing multiple rounds before law enforcement arrived. RCMP officers responded within minutes, but the speed and unpredictability of the attack left little time for students and staff to react.
Inside the school, the consequences were catastrophic. Six people were confirmed dead by police — five students and one educational assistant — while the suspect ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Dozens of others sustained injuries of varying severity, and first responders worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon and evening to treat and transport victims to medical facilities.
The school’s hallways, once filled with routine bustle, were transformed into chaotic scenes of terror and survival. Students barricaded themselves in classrooms using furniture, while teachers attempted to guide and protect their pupils.
According to eyewitness accounts, the bravery of some students was remarkable; for example, a 12-year-old girl reportedly attempted to block the library doors to shield classmates from the shooter, sustaining critical injuries in the process. Such acts of courage under extreme duress highlighted both the vulnerability and resilience present in these young victims.
Confirmed Victims at the School
Authorities from the BC RCMP released the identities of those who lost their lives inside the school:
Abel Mwansa, 12
Ezekiel Schofield, 13
Kylie Smith, 12
Zoey Benoit, 12
Ticaria Lampert, 12
Shannda Aviugana‑Durand, 39 – an educational assistant
In addition to those killed, at least two victims were airlifted to hospitals in critical condition, and dozens more were treated for gunshot wounds, shrapnel injuries, and trauma-related shock. Medical staff later described the scene in emergency rooms as exceptionally challenging, with hospitals mobilizing resources rapidly to manage the sudden influx of patients from what was an unprecedented violent event for the region.
About the Suspect: Jesse Van Rootselaar
Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old local resident, had attended Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in earlier years but had dropped out approximately four years prior to the attack. Police confirmed that Van Rootselaar had a documented history of mental health concerns and prior interactions with law enforcement due to safety and welfare issues within the household. Despite these interventions, the suspect was able to obtain firearms legally, which were used in the attack.
Van Rootselaar’s identity drew attention due to social media accounts and public records reflecting a female gender identity, while the individual was born biologically male. Initial police descriptions relied on witness accounts before confirmation through investigative procedures. Authorities stressed that, at the time of initial reports, no specific motive had been identified, and there was no evidence that particular individuals at the school were targeted prior to the attack.
The rapid escalation of violence in such a small, familiar environment left the community reeling. School staff and students faced an unimaginable situation, making split-second decisions in life-or-death circumstances. Accounts from survivors highlight both terror and extraordinary acts of bravery as individuals tried to shield one another from harm.
The aftermath of the Tumbler Ridge shooting revealed not only the immense tragedy but also profound acts of courage and resilience from students, teachers, first responders, and the wider community. In a town where nearly everyone knew one another, the sudden eruption of violence left families terrified, neighbors in shock, and the entire community searching for answers. Yet amid the horror, moments of bravery and solidarity emerged, highlighting the human capacity to respond to extreme danger with selflessness.
Acts of Bravery Within the School
Inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, students and staff faced a chaotic and dangerous situation. Some students barricaded classroom doors with desks, chairs, and bookshelves to delay the shooter’s advance. Teachers quickly organized their students, instructing them to lie on the floor, stay quiet, and follow safety protocols.
One particularly poignant account came from Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old student who reportedly sustained critical injuries while attempting to protect her classmates. Eyewitnesses described how Maya used her body to block access to the school library, trying to prevent the shooter from entering. Her family confirmed that she survived surgery but faced an extended recovery, underscoring both her bravery and the severe physical cost of her actions.
Another student, 17-year-old Darian Quist, recounted the fear and confusion in his classroom. “We were terrified, but we tried to stay calm,” he said. “Teachers were shouting instructions, and we all huddled together, hoping someone would come quickly to help us.” Darian’s recollection illustrated the chaotic atmosphere, but also the collective effort among students to protect each other.
The Role of First Responders
RCMP officers arrived on the scene within minutes, navigating the school’s narrow corridors to locate the shooter and secure the campus. Emergency responders from local fire and medical services provided critical care under extraordinary circumstances, triaging victims, stabilizing the injured, and coordinating rapid transport to nearby hospitals in Fort St. John, Prince George, and other regional medical centers.
Medical teams worked around the clock, confronting the complex challenges of treating multiple gunshot victims while managing emotional trauma. Hospitals described receiving patients who were physically injured, emotionally traumatized, or suffering from shock, highlighting the multi-layered impact of the shooting. The collaboration between police, paramedics, nurses, and doctors was widely praised by provincial officials, demonstrating the strength of emergency response networks even in remote areas.
Community Mourning and Local Solidarity
News of the shooting quickly reverberated through Tumbler Ridge. Town leaders, school officials, and residents mobilized to support families and survivors. Within hours, spontaneous memorials appeared near the school and around the town: candles flickered in the cold February air, teddy bears and flowers adorned fences and lampposts, and handwritten notes conveyed messages of love and sorrow. For many, leaving a tribute was the first tangible step in grappling with the trauma.
Community leaders emphasized the importance of unity and mutual support. Graham Stewart, a local education administrator, described the response: “In moments like these, the strength of our town comes from looking out for one another. People opened their homes, shared meals, and offered comfort to families who had lost everything in an instant.”
Several public vigils were held, including a candlelight ceremony at the town’s central square and a memorial gathering at a nearby community center. These events were attended by hundreds of residents, reflecting the deep connections that define Tumbler Ridge and the collective grief of a small town confronted with extraordinary loss.
National Response and Political Statements
The shooting sparked nationwide shock. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed Parliament, calling the event “a moment of deep national sorrow” and pledging federal support for the affected families and the broader community. Flags on government buildings were ordered to fly at half-mast for seven days in tribute to those killed, while resources were mobilized to provide immediate mental health support and counseling.
In British Columbia, Premier David Eby echoed these sentiments, expressing condolences and emphasizing the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the attack, especially in light of Van Rootselaar’s documented mental health history. The provincial government committed to providing ongoing support for survivors, families, and first responders.
Messages of support poured in from across Canada, including letters, social media tributes, and public statements from community leaders and mayors of nearby towns. Canadians from every province shared condolences, underscoring that the grief of Tumbler Ridge resonated far beyond its borders.
Remembering the Victims
The lives lost in Tumbler Ridge represented a broad spectrum of the community’s population: children just beginning their education, a dedicated educational assistant who guided and cared for students, and family members whose absence would forever alter the fabric of their households.
Families celebrated the individuality and achievements of the victims, often referring to children as “dreamers” and “future leaders.” Educational colleagues remembered Shannda Aviugana‑Durand as a passionate professional who devoted her life to nurturing young minds, emphasizing her kindness, patience, and commitment to helping students grow.
Public memorials included a variety of gestures: vigils, local hockey games dedicated to the memory of the victims, and prayer services where community members shared stories and memories. These acts of remembrance provided an outlet for grief and fostered a sense of solidarity among residents.
The Human Cost and Lasting Impact
Beyond the immediate fatalities and injuries, the psychological impact of the shooting on survivors, families, and the broader community cannot be overstated. Trauma experts warned that long-term counseling would be essential, particularly for children who witnessed violence firsthand. Local schools, closed temporarily in the aftermath, implemented grief counseling and support services, recognizing the need for a structured environment to aid recovery.
The Tumbler Ridge shooting also reignited national conversations about mental health, school safety, and firearm access. Experts noted that while Canada maintains strict firearm regulations relative to neighboring countries, the incident highlighted gaps in identifying risks and providing preventative support for individuals facing severe mental health challenges.
In the wake of the February 10, 2026, shooting, the town of Tumbler Ridge, provincial authorities, and federal agencies faced the complex task of understanding not only the immediate sequence of events but also the underlying factors that allowed such a tragedy to occur. Investigations, public inquiries, and policy discussions have since sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack, while the community has embarked on a slow and deliberate process of recovery.
The Ongoing Investigation
The RCMP led a meticulous, multi-agency investigation into the shooting. Key areas of focus included the suspect’s acquisition of firearms, prior interactions with mental health authorities, and the sequence of events at both the family home and Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Initial findings confirmed that Jesse Van Rootselaar legally obtained the firearms used in the attack, including a long gun and a modified handgun. Investigators traced these weapons to lawful ownership within the family household, emphasizing that prior mental health interventions — including temporary seizure of firearms — had not prevented access to lethal means. Authorities have indicated that the review of firearm laws and access protocols will be a central component of recommendations arising from the investigation.
Investigators also focused on the lack of a clear motive. At the time of the early investigation, no manifesto, written statement, or online declaration explaining the suspect’s intentions was discovered. Police have acknowledged that understanding why individuals commit such acts is often complex, requiring consideration of mental health history, personal stressors, and environmental factors. While Van Rootselaar had a documented history of mental health concerns and prior police interactions, no singular event or grievance has been definitively linked to the attack.
The Role of Forensic and Technical Analysis
Forensic teams worked extensively at both the family home and the school to collect evidence, reconstruct the sequence of events, and confirm the identities of victims. Ballistics analysis, scene reconstruction, and examination of surveillance footage were crucial in understanding the rapid progression of the attack and the locations where victims were harmed.
Additionally, digital forensics specialists reviewed social media profiles, online communications, and personal devices associated with Van Rootselaar to determine potential indicators of planning or intent. While authorities have confirmed that the suspect maintained online accounts identifying with a female gender identity, no conclusive evidence indicated targeted animosity toward specific students or staff members.
Medical examiners conducted thorough autopsies to determine the cause of death for each victim, confirming gunshot wounds as the primary cause in all cases. Trauma specialists were also consulted to provide insights into injuries sustained by survivors, which informed both immediate medical care and long-term rehabilitation plans.
Policy Implications and National Conversations
The Tumbler Ridge shooting prompted an immediate national dialogue about school safety, mental health services, and firearm regulation in Canada. Despite the country’s comparatively strict gun laws, experts emphasized the need for preventive measures to identify at-risk individuals and intervene before violence occurs.
School boards across British Columbia and other provinces have since reviewed and reinforced lockdown protocols, emergency response training, and student safety drills. Emphasis has also been placed on mental health resources within schools, including counseling, early detection of behavioral concerns, and access to support networks for students and families.
On a federal level, lawmakers revisited legislation related to firearm access, particularly in households where mental health interventions have occurred. Discussions included mandatory reporting requirements, review processes for returning firearms, and the integration of mental health professionals in decisions regarding weapon possession. Public debate also highlighted the importance of balancing legal rights with community safety, a complex challenge that has drawn attention from policymakers, law enforcement, and civil rights advocates.
The Long-Term Impact on Survivors and the Community
For survivors and the Tumbler Ridge community, the effects of the shooting are profound and ongoing. Trauma counselors have emphasized that recovery is not linear; individuals may experience delayed psychological responses such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and survivor’s guilt. Schools and local health authorities have coordinated programs to provide both immediate and long-term mental health support, recognizing that children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the lasting impact of such violence.
Families of the deceased continue to navigate grief while grappling with the enormity of their loss. Public memorials, commemorative events, and community-driven initiatives serve as both a means of honoring the victims and reinforcing the collective resilience of the town. In addition, local organizations have created scholarship funds and educational programs in the names of the victims, ensuring that their legacies contribute positively to future generations.
Reflections on Community Strength
Amid the tragedy, the solidarity of Tumbler Ridge stands out. Residents, neighbors, and first responders demonstrated remarkable cooperation, compassion, and selflessness. From families offering shelter to displaced students, to volunteers organizing memorials, to local businesses donating supplies for counseling efforts, the town’s response exemplifies how small communities often respond to crisis with extraordinary unity.
Leaders, educators, and parents emphasize that while the trauma of February 10, 2026, will never be forgotten, the resilience of individuals and the community as a whole is a powerful counterbalance to despair. Efforts to ensure safety, promote mental health awareness, and support survivors continue to define the town’s recovery process, reflecting a long-term commitment to healing.
National and International Perspective
Although mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada compared to some other nations, the Tumbler Ridge event resonated across the country and internationally. Experts in public safety, mental health, and education have studied the case as an example of the challenges faced in small, remote communities where resources are limited but social cohesion is strong. The incident has sparked renewed discussions on preventive strategies, early intervention in mental health crises, and protocols for rapid emergency response in schools and other public spaces.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, Premier David Eby, and other officials have reiterated that supporting the survivors and families is a priority that extends beyond immediate relief. The shooting serves as a somber reminder of the need for evidence-based policies, community engagement, and sustained investment in public safety and mental health initiatives.
Moving Forward: Healing and Hope
In the quiet aftermath, Tumbler Ridge faces the difficult task of reconciling loss with the need to continue life. Memorials remain throughout the town, and annual commemorations are planned to honor those lost. Survivors continue to receive support, and public dialogue emphasizes the importance of learning from the tragedy to prevent future violence.
While the scars of February 10, 2026, are deep, the community’s collective resilience, acts of bravery, and enduring compassion serve as a testament to the human capacity for strength in the face of unfathomable grief. Tumbler Ridge, and indeed all of Canada, is left with the dual responsibility of remembrance and proactive prevention — ensuring that the lessons of this tragedy inform a safer, more compassionate future.
