Provincial News

2026-02-11

  Flags are flying at half-mast around Campbell River today to mark the tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday, which left nine dead and 25 injured.

  “The city is profoundly saddened and shocked by these events,” reads a statement from the city. “On behalf of city council and Campbell River residents, we offer heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We hold the students, staff, and everyone impacted in our thoughts during this heartbreaking time.”

  Flags at city hall, along with flags at other civic, provincial, and federal buildings, have been lowered to half mast to mark the event. The city says flags will remain down until Feb. 17.

  The city says it “stands in solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge and deeply appreciates the first responders for their bravery and dedication.”

  School District 72 has also lowered flags at all district sites to half mast “as a sign of respect and shared care.”

  “We are heartbroken by the tragic events that took place yesterday,” says a statement from the district. “Our thoughts are with the students, staff and families who are facing an unimaginable loss.”

The district says staff are checking in with students and offering support as needed. 

  On Tuesday afternoon, an emergency alert was issued instructing residents in Tumbler Ridge, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and surrounding areas to shelter in place while police responded to reports of an active shooter at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Early alerts described the suspect as a woman with brown hair, wearing a dress. 

  Reporting by Cosmin Dzsurdzsa at Juno News suggests the suspect was Jesse Strang, who was identified by Russell G. Strang, the suspect’s uncle, as transgender. 

  Jesse’s mother, Jennifer Strang, is believed to be one of the deceased victims found by police at a residence they suspect is connected to the shooting. 

  Police have now released the shooter’s identity and legal name: 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who is believed to have killed two relatives at home before attacking the school. A 39-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy, both related to the suspect, believed to be the suspect’s mother and step-brother, were found deceased. They also confirm six victims were found dead inside the school, a 39-year-old female adult educator and five students between 12 and 13 years old, three girls and two boys. The shooter allegedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

  RCMP held a press conference this morning and according to CBC reporting, Van Rootselaar dropped out of high school four years ago, and started transitioning from male to female six years ago. They also say police had responded to the home for mental health-related calls, some involving weapons, over the past several years. Firearms were seized from the home, but they were returned after the lawful owner petitioned to get them back. 

  Police recovered a long gun and a modified handgun from the scene. 

  Tumbler Ridge is a small community of about 2,400 people in northeastern BC.