In the aftermath of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC, on February 10, 2026, public discourse has shifted toward the suspect’s identity. While some officials have used the tragedy to highlight a supposed rise in “trans violence,” crime statistics and official reports provide a different context.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Confirmed Details of the Incident
The BC RCMP identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar (also known by the name Jesse Strang). According to investigators:
- The Victims: The suspect killed her mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at home before killing six people (five students and one teacher) at Tumbler Ridge Secondary.
- The Suspect: Police confirmed Van Rootselaar was a trans woman who had a history of mental health struggles and was a former student at the school.
- The Outcome: The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Addressing the “Trans Violence” Rhetoric
Following the tragedy, MLA Tara Armstrong and several high-profile online commentators claimed the event was evidence of an “epidemic of transgender violence.”
However, criminologists and data analysts point to a significant gap between these claims and reality:
- Historical Data: According to the Violence Prevention Project, the vast majority (over 98%) of mass shooters are cisgender men.
- Statistical Inaccuracy: There is no evidence of a rising trend or “epidemic” involving transgender perpetrators. Statistically, transgender individuals are more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators.
- Mental Health Focus: Local authorities and health experts have urged the public to focus on the documented history of mental health crises in this specific case, rather than broad identity-based generalizations.
The Community Response
While political figures debate the implications of the shooter’s identity, the focus in Tumbler Ridge remains on the victims. Premier David Eby and other leaders have condemned the “politicization of a tragedy” while the community holds vigils for the lives lost.
Note: When a shooter belongs to a minority group, their identity is often highlighted as a “motive” in ways that cisgender male identities are not. This can lead to a skewed public perception of risk.
