Canada school shooting: Eight killed in one of country’s deadliest attacks are named by police, including young students
Police identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the suspected shooter in the small town of Tumbler Ridge
Canadian police officially identified the victims of Tuesday’s mass school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Six were killed at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, including students Abel Mwansa, 12; Ezekiel Schofield, 13; Kylie Smith, 12; Zoey Benoit, 12; and Ticaria Lampert, 12; and educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39.
Police identified the suspected shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who allegedly attacked the school after killing her 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, at a nearby home.
The shooting also wounded multiple children, including to Maya Gebala, 12.
The girl was reportedly trying to lock the door when she was shot.
“We were warned that the damage to her brain was too much for her to endure, and she wouldn't make the night,” her mother wrote in a post on Facebook. “Our baby needs a miracle.”
Rootselaar was found dead with what police believe was a self-inflicted wound.
Investigators have not identified a motive for the shooting.
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Premiers offer condolences
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith: “I can only imagine the absolute devastation that the students, families, staff, and entire community must be feeling right now… To the families grieving, the friends and classmates who are also impacted, and the first responders on the ground – know that Alberta and the whole of Canada is thinking of you and our hearts go out to you and your community.”
Scott Moe, the Premier of Saskatchewan: “Horrifying news from Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Our prayers are with the families of the victims, those injured, and everyone in the community.”
Wab Kinew, the Premier of Manitoba: “Our thoughts are with the people of Tumbler Ridge... Schools should always be places of safety and care. Manitoba stands with our friends and relatives in British Columbia as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.”
Premier of New Brunswick Susan Holt: “My heart breaks for the families, friends, and entire community of Tumbler Ridge... During times like these, we come together with compassion to support one another, and ensure that every family affected feels the strength of our care and unity.
Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador: “On behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, students, educators, and first responders affected by this senseless act of violence.”
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston: “My thoughts are with the families, survivors, and entire community of Tumbler Ridge, BC, after the horrific attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Nova Scotia stands in solidarity with British Columbia during this tragic time.”
Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario: “My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and everyone who was impacted by the terrible shooting that took place yesterday in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. I’m praying for a full recovery for all those who were injured in the attack. Ontario stands ready to support the people of British Columbia however we can.”
Quebec Premier Francois Legault: “I am deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred in British Columbia. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected. Quebec stands in solidarity with British Columbia during this ordeal. Thank you to the first responders for their courage.”
Yukon Premier Currie Dixon: “Heartbreaking. We’re thinking of our friends and neighbours in BC as we grapple with this tragedy.”
US Ambassador to Canada says 'hearts and prayers' are with community
Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, said “hearts and prayers” are with Tumbler Ridge and all of British Columbia after a deadly mass shooting.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the community of Tumbler Ridge and all of British Columbia today. My personal prayer is that in these difficult times, they find the peace and comfort that only He can provide,” Hoekstra said Wednesday morning.
Family of 12-year-old girl recovering from gunshot says she 'made it through the night'
The family of a 12-year-old girl who was critically injured in a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School said she underwent surgery to stop bleeding and “made it through the night,” on a GoFundMe page.
The 12-year-old, named Maya, was taken to a children’s hospital in Vancouver to receive treatment for a gunshot injury that she sustained, her mother, Cia, said in a Facebook post Tuesday. A GoFundMe was set up by Cia’s cousin to assist the family in medical treatment payments.
In an update Wednesday afternoon, Krysta Hunt thanked donors for contributing to the medical fund and said Maya underwent surgery to help stop bleeding as a first step toward recovery.
“We are still in a very risky state, and care and long term recovery is unknown,” Hunt wrote.
The GoFundMe, which has yet to be verified by the organization, raised more than $40,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School offers mental health services for families
Members of the Tumbler Ridge community who are processing the devastating shooting that rattled the small town are being invited to the Tumbler Ridge Community Center, where mental health professionals will be available.
On the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School website, administrators have provided several resources to parents to help their children process the traumatic event.
“There is no timeline for how each of us will process this grief and immense loss, both individually and as a community. While words often feel inadequate in the face of such loss, coming together can help reduce isolation and remind us that we are not alone,” the message from the school reads.
Schools are closed for the rest of the week.
Watch: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney becomes emotional discussing Tumbler Ridge deadly shooting
Carney cancels trip to Munich
Prime Minister Mark Carney has canceled a planned overseas trip to Munich, Germany, for the Munich Security Conference this week after the deadly mass shooting.
"The prime minister is remaining in the National Capital Region at this time, and we can confirm that previously announced travel for the coming days has been cancelled," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
In his place, the defence minister, foreign affairs minister and AI minister will travel to Germany.
Suspected shooter identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the suspected shooter.
Police said they had visited the home of the suspected shooter in the past due to “mental health issues.”
The suspected shooter is believed to have fatally shot her mother and younger male sibling at her home before opening fire at the school, police said.
Dwayne McDonald, the deputy commissioner for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, said that the suspect was born biologically male but had begun transitioning to a woman approximately six years ago.
Shooter fatally shot mother and younger sibling
Police said the adult woman and male youth who were found deceased at the private residence were identified as the mother and brother or stepbrother of the suspected shooter.
Five students, aged 12-13, were killed
Canadian officials said that a total of five students were killed in Tuesday’s shooting, ranging from 12 to 13 years old.
Three 12-year-old female students were among those fatally shot, as well as a 12-year-old male.
Another male student, 13 years old, was also killed.
Police revise death toll numbers to nine
Police in Canada said Wednesday afternoon nine people, including the shooter, had died in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting – revising earlier numbers that claimed 10 people died.
Officials said in a press conference that an individual who was critically injured was believed to have died on the way to the hospital. However, that individual is still alive and in critical condition.
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