The Canada school shooter who killed nine people – including their own mother – has been named by police as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. In an evening update, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provided further details about Wednesday afternoon’s shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Deputy commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed Van Rootselaar was a resident of the small community of Tumbler Ridge and said investigators believe the attack was carried out alone. Police said officers were called to reports of an active shooter at around 1.30pm local time and arrived within two minutes, entering the school while gunfire was still ongoing. The suspect was later located inside the building dead from what officers described as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two firearms – a long gun and a modified handgun – were recovered at the scene. McDonald said investigators later determined the violence began at a nearby family home before the school attack.
The suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother were found dead at the residence. Police said officers were alerted to the scene after a young female relative went to a neighbour for help.
Police said Van Rootselaar had previously come to the attention of officers in incidents linked to mental-health concerns, with police attending the family address on multiple occasions.
Around two years ago firearms were seized from the property under the criminal code but were later returned to the lawful owner.
The deputy commissioner added the 18-year-old identified publicly and socially as female and had not attended the school for approximately four years.
He said there was currently no information to suggest bullying at school played a role.
Investigators say they have not yet established a motive and enquiries remain ongoing.
Inside the school, the victims included a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy. Most of the children were born in 2012 and 2013, officers said.
Two further victims – the suspect’s mother and stepbrother – were found dead at the family residence.
More than 100 students and staff were evacuated from the building once it was declared safe. Those with potential injuries were taken to triage, while two people were airlifted to hospital. Their conditions have not been disclosed.
Police said there is no indication any of the victims inside the school were specifically targeted and confirmed there are no outstanding suspects.
The 18-year-old was reproted to have an expired firearms licence and no weapons registered in their name.
Authorities said they are continuing forensic and digital investigations as families are notified and support services are put in place for the community. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.
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