Gunfire Erupts at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, Leaving Multiple Dead

On February 11, 2026, a tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia left multiple victims dead and shocked the small community. The suspect, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, opened fire at the school, prompting students and teachers to barricade themselves inside classrooms. The incident unfolded during the afternoon, disrupting what was otherwise a peaceful day in the remote town.

As the chaos began, local journalist Trent Ernst was broadcasting live from outside the school. He reported hearing an emergency alert and the arrival of police vehicles, confirming the situation was serious. “There is a report of an active shooter,” Ernst stated, emphasizing the urgency of the unfolding events.

Inside the school, fear took hold. Jarbas Noronha, a teacher in a grade 12 auto mechanics class, recounted how a student rushed in to inform him about gunshots. Almost immediately, the principal called for a lockdown. Noronha and his students barricaded themselves in the garage, stacking metal benches against the doors, preparing for the worst. “We were in the safest part of the school,” he told The New York Times.

One student, Darian Quist, described the tense atmosphere in his classroom as they constructed makeshift barricades using tables. “It was definitely tense,” he said. “We were all very nervous… trying to keep each other motivated.” As the situation escalated, the gravity of the event began to set in when images of the unfolding crisis started circulating among the students.

The RCMP quickly issued a public alert about the shooting. Ernst noted that the police described the suspected shooter as female with brown hair. Later, it was confirmed that Van Rootselaar was a biological male transitioning to female. The school, which accommodates around 160 students from grades seven to twelve, became a scene of horror as armed officers arrived to manage the crisis.

Despite the swift response, the situation resulted in devastating casualties. The RCMP reported that six individuals were found dead inside the school, including a 39-year-old female teacher and five students—three 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old boy. The suspected shooter was also discovered deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two other victims, a 12-year-old girl and a 19-year-old girl, were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

The tragedy extended beyond the school grounds. At a nearby residence, police found the bodies of Van Rootselaar’s mother and younger brother, aged 11, who were reportedly the first victims. The shockwaves of the incident reverberated throughout Tumbler Ridge, a community known for its close-knit relationships.

Local leaders expressed their condolences following the shooting. Mark Carney, a prominent figure in the area, stated, “The nation mourns with you,” emphasizing the collective grief felt beyond the immediate community.

As the investigation continues, residents and families are left to grapple with the profound impact of this tragedy. For many, the emotional scars will linger long after the events of that fateful afternoon. The RCMP’s ongoing work to uncover the details surrounding the shooting aims to provide clarity to a community in mourning.

This incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding gun violence and its devastating effects on communities.