Who Was Jesse Van Rootselaar? Suspect in Canada School Shooting That Killed 8 People

The person involved in the school massacre in British Columbia has been identified by authorities. Officials confirmed that the attacker, identified as a transgender female, killed eight people, including their own mother and stepbrother. At Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a 39-year-old teacher and five students died in the shooting. The students included three 12-year-old girls, one 12-year-old boy and one 13-year-old boy.

Authorities also confirmed that two weapons were recovered from the scene: a long-barrelled rifle and a modified handgun. Police said it is too early to determine the exact role each weapon played in the attack.

Also Read | Canada mass shooter was transgender female: Police.

Who Was Jesse Van Rootselaar?

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said the first report of gunfire at the high school came in at around 1.30 pm local time. Officers located the suspect within minutes. Initial findings suggest the attacker died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, believed to have been fired from their own weapon.

The shooter has been identified as 18-year-old former student Jesse Van Rootselaar, who first killed their mother and stepbrother at a private residence before going to the school. In total, Rootselaar killed eight people and injured 27 others before taking their own life.

McDonald said Rootselaar “was born a biological male, who began transitioning to female approximately six years ago and identified as female.”

A clarification from Juno News reporter Cosmin Dzsurdzsa noted that Jesse Van Rootselaar and Jesse Strang refer to the same individual, with Van Rootselaar being the legal name.

Also Read | Canada School Shooting: 10 Killed, Several Injured in Firing at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia; Suspect Dead.

Family Members Among the First Victims

The victims include the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and an 11-year-old boy, believed to be the suspect’s brother or stepbrother. They were killed at home before the school attack.

Mental Health Concerns

Police had visited the suspect’s home multiple times in recent years due to concerns about Rootselaar’s mental health. The suspect had previously been detained under the Mental Health Act for assessment and monitoring.

McDonald confirmed that police contact also involved concerns related to weapons. Around two years ago, officers seized firearms from the residence under the Criminal Code. The legal owner later had them returned after a court application.

Regarding firearm licensing, McDonald said Rootselaar had a gun licence that expired in 2024, although no firearms were registered in their name. The last contact between police and the suspect occurred sometime last year.

No Evidence of Bullying

Addressing rumours circulating online, McDonald said the investigation had not found any evidence that Rootselaar had been bullied at school. The suspect dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School about four years ago.

Authorities emphasised that the attacker acted alone and no additional suspects are being sought. Additional security forces have been deployed to the area as the investigation continues.