Tumbler Ridge, Canada. Police said an 18-year-old woman with mental health issues killed her mother and stepbrother before attacking her former school in the British Columbia community of Tumbler Ridge. Investigators did not offer a motive.
Suspect identified and revised death toll
Police identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died by suicide after the shooting on Tuesday, according to authorities. Police revised the death toll to nine, including Van Rootselaar, down from an initial report of 10.
Mental health history cited by police
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, commander of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, said Van Rootselaar had been apprehended on more than one occasion under the provincial Mental Health Act for an assessment. McDonald said police had attended the family residence multiple times over the past several years to deal with concerns related to the suspect’s mental health.
National reaction and official response
Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking to reporters, said the country would get through the event and learn from it. Carney postponed a trip to Europe and ordered flags on all government buildings be flown at half-mast for seven days.
Hours later, legislators in the House of Commons observed a moment of silence as Carney said the killings had left the country in shock and mourning. Carney said, “Tumbler Ridge represents the very best of Canada.”
Community response
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka told reporters late Wednesday that the close-knit community was “one big family.” He urged people to support one another, saying, “Lend your ear when someone needs your ear,” and “Lend your shoulder when someone needs your shoulder,” and “Give somebody a hug.”
How do you think communities can best support residents after a mass shooting?