Police Visited Home Of Canada School Shooting Suspect Multiple Times
Canadian authorities have disclosed that police responded to the family home of the 18-year-old suspect in Tuesday’s deadly school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on multiple occasions over recent years due to mental health concerns.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that officers attended the residence several times in the past several years in response to issues related to the suspect’s mental health. On various occasions, the suspect was apprehended under the province’s Mental Health Act for assessment and subsequent follow-up.
The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was identified publicly as female and had transitioned approximately six years ago after being born biologically male, carried out the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities found Van Rootselaar at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The assault claimed the lives of a teacher and five students, while approximately 25 others sustained injuries, two of whom remained in critical but stable condition.
In addition, the suspect’s mother, Jennifer Strang, aged 39, and an 11-year-old step-brother were discovered dead at the family residence, which police linked to the incident.
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McDonald further noted that approximately two years earlier, officers had seized firearms from the home under provisions of the Criminal Code. However, those weapons were later returned after the lawful owner successfully petitioned for their release. The suspect possessed a firearms licence that expired in 2024, with no firearms registered in their name.
The revelation of prior police interactions has prompted scrutiny, including from British Columbia Premier David Eby, who expressed having numerous questions about the events and the decision to return the seized firearms. A former RCMP officer, Sherry Benson-Podolchuk, told CBC that enabling officers to seize firearms during mental health checks would require changes to existing Canadian laws.
The small mining community of Tumbler Ridge, home to roughly 2,400 residents, remains in profound shock following one of the country’s most severe school shootings. A vigil has been held to honour the victims, with grieving families sharing memories of the children lost. Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit the town on Friday.
The investigation continues, with the motive yet to be established. Officials have urged the public to focus on remembering the victims rather than speculating on the suspect’s background