National Mourning: Leaders Gather in Tumbler Ridge

In a rare display of non-partisan solidarity, Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Friday to attend a vigil for the victims of the February 10 mass shooting.

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Recognizing the magnitude of the loss—the deadliest shooting in the country’s recent history—Carney was joined by a full delegation of federal and provincial leaders, including Pierre Poilievre (Conservative), Don Davies (NDP Interim), and B.C. Premier David Eby. The presence of the Governor General, Mary Simon, further underscored the national weight of the event.

The Timeline of the Attack

The investigation by the RCMP has begun to piece together the harrowing events carried out by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar:

1. The Residence: The violence began at home, where Van Rootselaar killed her 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and her 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett.
2. The School: The shooter then traveled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Armed with a long gun and a handgun, she killed an education assistant and five students, aged 12 to 13.
3. The Conclusion: Before law enforcement could engage, the perpetrator took her own life.

The Victims

The town is mourning nine lives lost, including:

• Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39): A dedicated education assistant.
• Five Students: Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Abel Mwansa Jr., and Ezekiel Schofield.
• Injured: Dozens more were hurt; 12-year-old Maya Gebala remains in critical condition.

Unanswered Questions and Investigation Focus

While the vigil provides a space for grief, the investigation is zeroing in on how such a preventable tragedy occurred. Public scrutiny is currently focused on three areas:

1. Mental Health & Prior Warnings

Authorities have confirmed that police had been called to the shooter’s residence multiple times in the past for mental health-related incidents.

2. The Weapons Trail

Perhaps the most “lingering question” involves the firearms used. Records show that police had previously seized firearms from the home, only to return them to a “lawful owner” following a legal petition. Investigators are working to confirm if these returned weapons were the ones used in the shooting.

3. Lack of Motive

Despite a deep dive into the shooter’s digital footprint and personal history, no manifesto or clear motive has been identified. The RCMP continues to process electronic evidence to understand the “why” behind the attack.