Tumbler Ridge School Massacre Details
New photos have surfaced showing 18-year-old Van Rootselaar, the gunman responsible for one of Canada’s deadliest school shootings. The images capture him grinning while holding a rifle, posted by his grandmother on Facebook to celebrate his 14th birthday in 2021. The caption read: “Happy 14th birthday to our grandson Jesse !! Love you always !! XOXO.”
Van Rootselaar, who had been expelled from Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, first killed his mother, Jennifer Strang, 39, and his 11-year-old stepbrother at a private residence. He then targeted the school, where six more victims died. He ended his life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. The attack claimed eight lives total, with around 25 people wounded.
Survivor Accounts and Police Response
Survivors, including students and teachers, barricaded themselves in classrooms for over two hours until Royal Canadian Mounted Police escorted them to safety.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed Van Rootselaar was born a biological male and began transitioning to female about six years ago. Initial alerts described the shooter as a “female in a dress,” prompting first responders to search accordingly.
History of Concerns
Police had visited the family home multiple times in prior years due to concerns over Van Rootselaar’s mental state. Authorities previously removed weapons from the property, though the registered owner legally reclaimed them. Investigators recovered a long gun and a modified handgun from the school, raising questions about whether they matched the earlier confiscated firearms.
Context in Canadian History
This tragedy ranks among Canada’s worst mass shootings, echoing the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, where 14 women died. In response to recent incidents, officials have strengthened firearms laws, including expanded bans on assault-style weapons.
