Tumbler Ridge Community Mourns Lives Killed in Horrific Shooting
Tragedy has surrounded Canada as the residents of the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, are in mourning after a deadly shooting left 8 people dead. Six of the victims who violently lost their lives were children.
Tumbler Ridge has its historical roots in mining, with the industry employing many residents of the town today. The town is also known for its scenery, with tourists attracted to its Unesco-recognized geopark – one of only five in Canada.
Tumbler Ridge Mourns After Deadly School Shooting
In a statement from the BBC, a local pastor named Tracy Krauss said, “We’ve been insulated.” She added, “A newcomer comes to town and they’re locking up, and everyone laughs, because why are you doing that? Nothing happens here.” The attack unfolded on Tuesday afternoon when the shooter, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. The shooter had a history of mental health issues and was at one point admitted for psychiatric evaluation.
The tragic shooting took place at the Tumbler Ridge secondary school in British Columbia, where the shooter fired rounds in the library indiscriminately, not too long after lunch break. Many questions have quickly arisen about the shooting, with investigators working to determine why Rootselaar carried out the heinous attack at the school. Rootselaar was found dead at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Prime Minister Responds to the Shooting
In a somber gathering on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for solidarity with the community. In a statement obtained by Devdiscourse, he said, “Canadians will always be with you” to grieving residents at a candelight vigil. Carney and other leaders met with the families of the victims and first responders.
In addition, the community also laid flowers at a memorial near the school. Carney and Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Polievre joined hands as an Indigenous leader sang a prayer outside the Tumbler Ridge town hall. In light of the shooting, Carney had cancelled a planned trip to the Munich Security Conference. In an example of leadership and a move for unity, Carney extended invitations to other federal leaders to travel to Tumbler Ridge with him.
Victims of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified the victims of the tragic shooting that occurred on Tuesday. Six victims were killed at the school, including two who were found at the local residence. At least 27 other victims were injured during the shooting.
The first two victims who were killed were identified as Rootselaar’s mother and step-brother, Jennifer Jacobs, 39, and Emmet Jacobs, 11. The victims who were killed at the school were identified by authorities as Kylie Smith, 12, Zoey Benoit, 12, Abel Mwansa, 12, Shanda Aviugana-Durand, 39, Ticaria Lampert, 12, and Ezekiel Schofield, 13. Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old girl at the school, was severely injured in the attack and is fighting for her life in critical condition.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police say the investigation remains active as officers work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities are reviewing evidence from the school, interviewing witnesses and examining the shooter’s movements in the hours before the attack. Officials have not released a possible motive and say it may take time before a full picture emerges. Updates are expected as investigators continue to gather information and determine what led to the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.
