At least ten people are dead and upwards of 25 injured following a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, a small community located 300 km northeast of Prince George.The suspect, who was also found dead with what appeared to be "self-inflicted" wounds, has been identified by residents as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.Among those who confirmed to the Western Standard that Van Rootselaar was the shooter were Liam Irving and Juan van Heerden, both of whom grew up seeing him at school. They'd spoken with eight different people who were at Tumbler Ridge Secondary when the massacre took place."He was a couple of years younger than us grades wise," Irving explained. "He was a chill kid, he was alright, but he definitely gave off that, you know, quiet one out kind of kid ... Like, he wasn't, you know, destructive or obnoxious."Van Heerden echoed his sentiments, labelling Van Rootselaar "a quiet kid.""We always seen him by himself," he said, "sitting by himself in the corner, always quiet."The pair confirmed that Van Rootselaar identified as transgender.Before heading to the school, Van Rootselaar allegedly murdered his mother and younger brother, both of whom were well known in the community."My mom was pretty good friends with the mother, Jennifer, and my little brother, who's also on the spectrum, was pretty close to Emmett, the younger boy," Irving said. "There's not one person in this town right now that's not affected by this.".Irving went on to explain that his mom was "in the school ... in the college area right on the top floor where it happened.""She heard pretty much all the shots," he added, "and she said that she heard a lot of, you know, issues happening, and commotion."Reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School first started coming in around 1:20 p.m. Tuesday. A Police Initiated Public Alert was issued and officers arrived on scene a short time later..In addition to the deceased, approximately 27 others were injured, including two with serious or life‑threatening injuries. One victim died while en route to hospital..During a press conference Tuesday evening, Senior Media Relations Officer Kris Clark said there was little additional information the RCMP could divulge, though he did confirm that the "gunperson" found deceased was the same person described in the initial public alert.He added that the RCMP is "committed to providing more information and providing answers to you in the coming days ahead."As it stands, this is the third deadliest shooting in Canadian history, with only the École Polytechnique massacre of 1989 and Nova Scotia shootings in 2020 resulting in more casualties.Upon hearing the news, Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld informed residents he was "leaving Victoria immediately" to be with those impacted.."I will continue to stay closely engaged as this situation evolves," he said.."Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones," Premier David Eby said in a post on X. "Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy."."Wrap these families with love," he added during a press cofnerence. "Not just tonight, but tomorrow and into the future."."I am devastated by today’s horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, BC," Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote. "My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens.".It has since been revealed that Carney cancelled a planned trip to Germany in light of the attack.."Devastated to hear of the many innocent people murdered and injured in a senseless act of violence at a local high school in Tumbler Ridge," Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wrote. "Our prayers are with the families, students, teachers, first responders, and the entire community grieving this profound loss."
