Transgender Teen Linked to Deadly Canada School Shooting

The suspect in the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, which left at least nine people dead and more than 27 people injured, has been identified by authorities.

In an initial police alert issued on February 11, officers described the suspect as a “female in a dress with brown hair.” Investigators have since confirmed that the shooter was Jesse Van Rootselaar.

Police said the body of the shooter was also found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A long gun and a modified handgun were recovered from the scene.

According to reports, Rootselaar began identifying as female around six years ago. The violence reportedly began at family home, where Rootselaar is accused of killing her 39-year-old mother and her 11-year-old stepbrother. A neighbour alerted police after the incident.

Following the attack at the home, Rootselaar went to a nearby school. There, she fatally shot a 39-year-old teacher, along with several students including three 12-year-old girls and two boys ages 12 and 13, according to France 24.

“Police had attended that family residence on multiple occasions over the past several years, dealing with mental ‌health concerns involving the suspect,” said Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, commander of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ⁠in British Columbia.

The suspect previously had firearms seized from her home during mental health welfare checks, but they were returned after a petition was filed.

Rootselaar opened fire on police when they arrived and “rounds were fired in their direction”, McDonald said.

Authorities believe the suspect acted alone and that it was “too early” to speculate on motive. “There is no information at this point that anyone was specifically targeted," McDonald said.

On February 11, authorities reported that six people were found dead inside the school. Two victims were airlifted to hospital in serious to critical condition, while a third died on the way.

Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies in northeastern British Columbia, Canada, Tumbler Ridge is a picturesque district municipality with a population of 2,399.

The community is located roughly 736 miles north of Vancouver and borders Alberta, a province that recently enacted a series of strict transgender-related laws.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger said the events were sending shockwaves through the community and the province.

Krieger posted on X that a candlelight vigil for the victims was taking place on the front steps of the British Columbia Legislature at 7 p.m. on February 11.

She also said help is available for people experiencing grief in Tumbler Ridge. “In addition to the mental health supports being provided in the community, youth and adults can access immediate, confidential support through Kids Help Phone,” she said.