TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. – Six days after the tragic events of February 10, the RCMP has officially finished its forensic processing of the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School site. The building has been returned to the Peace River South School District, though the campus remains closed to the public.
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- Suspect Profile: Investigators confirmed the shooter was Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, a former student who died by suicide at the scene.
- Weaponry: Forensic teams are currently tracing the origins of a long gun and a modified handgun recovered at the scene. Neither weapon was legally registered to the suspect.
- Wider Scope: The investigation includes a secondary scene on Fellers Avenue, where the suspect’s mother and 11-year-old half-brother were found deceased.
Impact and Casualties
The incident is now cited as one of the most devastating school shootings in Canadian history, with a total of nine fatalities:
- Six victims at the school (five students and one teacher).
- Two victims at a private residence.
- The suspect.
As of February 16, two students remain in the hospital in serious condition, while 23 others have been treated and released.
Next Steps for the Community
The physical clearing of the building does not mean a return to normalcy. Local and provincial leaders have signaled a shift in how the community will move forward:
- Permanent Closure Likely: Superintendent Christy Fennell indicated that there are no immediate plans to reopen the building for classes.
- Provincial Support: Premier David Eby has publicly stated that no student or faculty member will be required to re-enter the facility, acknowledging the “immense trauma” attached to the site. Discussion regarding a permanent memorial or a new school facility is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
