Transgender Student Identified as Perpetrator in Deadly Canadian School Shooting
Canadian authorities have officially named the individual responsible for one of the most devastating school shootings in the nation's history. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who also used the name Jesse Strang, carried out the horrific attack in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The violent episode commenced on Tuesday within a residence located in the quiet, rural community of Tumbler Ridge, situated in the western province. It culminated at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where the shooter was later discovered deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The rampage resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and left 25 others injured.
Among the fatalities were five students and a 39-year-old teacher. The student victims included three girls, all aged 12, and two boys, aged 12 and 13. Additionally, Van Rootselaar killed their 39-year-old mother, Jennifer, and an 11-year-old step-sibling named Emmett.
Shooter's Background and Identity
Deputy Commissioner McDonald of the RCMP provided further details during a press conference, stating that Jesse Van Rootselaar identified as a woman but was born male. The police spokesperson revealed that the individual began identifying as female at the age of 12, approximately six years prior to the incident.
Law enforcement had been in contact with Jesse within the past year, and there were multiple call-outs to their home related to mental health concerns. Notably, Strang had ceased attending school four years ago at the age of 14.
Investigation and Firearms Information
The RCMP emphasized that they believe Jesse acted alone in executing the attack. When questioned about the suspect's access to firearms, Deputy Commissioner McDonald informed reporters that Jesse possessed a gun license which had expired in 2024. However, there were no firearms registered to them at the time of the shooting.
Victims and Ongoing Aftermath
So far, only one injured victim has been publicly identified: 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and head and is currently receiving hospital treatment. The community of Tumbler Ridge and the broader Canadian public are grappling with the profound loss and trauma inflicted by this unprecedented act of violence.
