18-year-old suspect in British Columbia school shooting killed mother and stepbrother first

Police identify an 18-year-old former student as the suspect in the British Columbia school shooting. Investigators say the motive remains unclear

PGurus Newsdesk

February 12, 2026

Police say 18-year-old began attack at home before school shooting

Canada school shooting: Police detail suspect’s movements before attack

Authorities in British Columbia have identified the suspect in this week’s deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a former student of the high school that was attacked.

Police confirmed that the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the incident, which left nine people dead, including the gunman, and 24 others injured.

According to Police Commander Dwayne McDonald, the suspect had previously attended the targeted school but had dropped out four years ago. Investigators said the individual had a documented history of mental health concerns, with officers responding to the family residence on multiple occasions over the past several years.

On more than one occasion, the suspect had been apprehended under British Columbia’s Mental Health Act for assessment, police said.

Authorities also confirmed that the suspect had previously held a firearms licence, which had expired. Weapons had at one stage been confiscated and later returned, though officials did not provide additional details on that process.

Investigators have not released a motive and said there is currently no evidence that specific victims at the school were individually targeted.

Police continue to examine the suspect’s background, online activity, and prior interactions with authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.

The identification marks a significant development in a case that has deeply shaken the small northern British Columbia community.

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