By Canadian Press

Tumbler Ridge

Police identify B.C. shooting suspect, say five teens and teacher dead

Feb 11, 2026 | 11:57 AM

TUMBLER RIDGE – RCMP now say 9 people were killed, not 10, in the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday.

RCMP made the clarification on Wednesday during a press availability. Among the dead, were a teacher and five teenage students.

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald says the 18-year-old female suspect Jesse Van Rootselaar who was found dead, had a history of contact with police, and that the suspect’s mother and stepbrother were found dead at a home.   

He says the suspect was born a biological male and was transitioning.   

McDonald says police who turned up at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School arrived to the sound of “active gunfire,” including shots fired in the direction of police.    He says Van Rootselaar is believed to have initially killed his mother and stepbrother at the home where police have attended multiple mental health incidents.     

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2026.