Questions Grow Over How Shooter Got Guns
A deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia has raised urgent questions about firearm access. On February 10, 2026, an 18-year-old attacked a home and a local secondary school. The violence shocked the small northern community.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar. She killed two relatives at home before going to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. At the school, she killed five students and a teacher before dying by suicide.
Police say investigators are still working to determine how she obtained the guns. Officers recovered four firearms in total. Two were found at the school and two at the residence.
Firearms Origins Still Under Investigation
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said the primary firearm used at the school had never been seized by police. Authorities are still tracing its origin. Investigators are reviewing purchase records and ownership history.
One shotgun recovered from the home was reportedly unregistered. Officials said it had also never been confiscated previously. Police continue to examine how the weapons entered the suspect’s possession.
Authorities confirmed the suspect’s firearms licence had expired in 2024. No firearms were registered under her name at the time of the attack. Investigators are reviewing past interactions with law enforcement for additional context.
Renewed Debate Over Gun Controls
The tragedy has reignited debate about gun laws and oversight. Some lawmakers question how firearms circulate despite licensing requirements. Others call for stronger monitoring of expired licences and gun storage practices.
Community leaders also point to broader concerns. They highlight mental health support gaps in remote regions. Residents are demanding clearer answers and stronger safeguards.
The Tumbler Ridge shooting ranks among Canada’s most devastating recent attacks. It has intensified national discussions about firearm access, regulation, and public safety.Tumbler Ridge Shooting Raises Urgent Questions About Gun Access.
