A terrible shooting has happened in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Nine people have died. The violence began Tuesday afternoon. It sadly included a teacher, five students, and family members of the suspect. Police found other people dead at a house before the school shooting. The suspect is 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Police do not know why he did this.
The problem started at a house. Van Rootselaar’s mother, 39, and his 11-year-old step-brother were found there. Then, a shooting happened at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. A 39-year-old teacher and five students were killed. Twenty-five other people were hurt. The school was locked down. People in the town felt very scared.
Police spoke to the media. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald gave sad news. He said the suspect used a rifle and a handgun. Police had visited the family's home before. These visits were about mental health and guns. McDonald said, "Nine people have died for no reason."
The deputy commissioner also said Jesse Van Rootselaar was born male. He began to transition six years ago. Police are checking his background. His gun license may have expired. The victims at the school were in a stairwell and a classroom. The shooting was random.
Tumbler Ridge is a small town with about 2,500 people. The community is very sad. The mayor said people are like family. This tragedy is one of the worst in Canada recently. Police are still working. The town will remember its lost people. They are trying to understand what happened.