Tragic Mass Shooting in Tumbler Ridge: Suspect's Mental Health Issues Underlined

Sat Feb 14 2026 00:49:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An 18-year-old suspect in the recent mass shooting in British Columbia had a history of mental health struggles and had previously been assessed by the police. The attack resulted in eight fatalities, including six children, and has sparked widespread mourning across the province.

The recent mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has shed light on the concerning mental health history of the suspect, an 18-year-old who killed eight individuals before taking his own life. Authorities revealed that police had visited the suspect's home multiple times due to mental health concerns. The tragic event has led to a provincial day of mourning as the community grapples with the loss of six children and their teacher, alongside ongoing discussions about accessibility to firearms and mental health support.

The teenage suspect in a mass shooting in rural British Columbia had been the subject of a number of police visits in recent years due to mental health issues, authorities report.

Police say the 18-year-old, who was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, killed eight people, including six children, in Tuesday's attack in Tumbler Ridge.

Identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, he had previously been apprehended and assessed under the Mental Health Act and had a firearms license. However, questions remain regarding the ownership of the weapons used in the attack and the underlying motive. Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to visit the town in the coming days to address the tragedy.

In response to the attack, British Columbia declared a day of mourning. It is among the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history—five students aged 12 to 13 and a 39-year-old teacher were killed, while at least 25 others sustained injuries at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Besides, the suspect's mother, also 39, and 11-year-old step-brother were found dead at their nearby home, which was the starting point for the attack. Local officials reported that two young victims remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

In Tumbler Ridge, flags were lowered to half-mast, and many community members visited a growing memorial, leaving flowers and toys while mourning together. Attendees expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in their tight-knit community.

“Small towns are small towns. We look out for each other. It’s not like living in a city where you don’t know your neighbor,” said local resident Shelley Quist.

Authorities stated that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had a record of responding to incidents at the suspect's home, emphasizing the importance of evaluating mental health needs in the community.

As the investigation continues, residents of Tumbler Ridge are left grappling with the aftermath—calling for more robust mental health support and reviewing gun ownership laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.