Canada is reeling from a tragic mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in remote British Columbia on February 10, 2026, one of the deadliest school attacks in the nation’s history. At least nine people died, including the suspect who died by apparent suicide, with over 25 others injured in the incident that spanned the school and a nearby residence.
Official Response and Ministerial Deployment
Prime Minister Mark Carney, visibly emotional, addressed the nation, describing the event as a “terrible” tragedy and promising the country would “get through this” and “learn from this.”
He postponed international travel, ordered flags on government buildings flown at half-mast for seven days, and announced that Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree was heading to the scene in Tumbler Ridge to coordinate federal support alongside provincial authorities.
Carney emphasized national unity, stating it was time for Canadians to “come together… to support each other, to mourn together and to grow together.” A moment of silence was observed in the House of Commons, where Carney reiterated the nation’s shock and mourning.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident and former student who had dropped out years earlier. Authorities noted prior mental health-related police contacts at her home. The shooter first killed her mother and stepbrother at a residence before entering the school, where victims included five students (aged 12-13) and one teacher.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded swiftly, crediting quick action with preventing further loss of life. The motive remains under investigation, with no additional details released. British Columbia Premier David Eby indicated reviews of mental health system interactions with the suspect.
The small coal-mining community of Tumbler Ridge (population around 2,400) has been left devastated, with the incident marking Canada’s deadliest school shooting since 1989 and one of the worst mass killings overall since 2020.