A devastating school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has left at least nine people dead and 27 others wounded, marking one of the deadliest acts of violence in Canada in decades. The tragedy unfolded on February 10, 2026, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small institution serving a tight-knit community of roughly 2,400 residents in northeastern British Columbia.

According to authorities, the attack began shortly after 2:00 p.m. local time when reports of an active shooter prompted an immediate response from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Within minutes, officers arrived at the school, where they encountered an active and chaotic situation. Students and teachers quickly initiated lockdown procedures, barricading doors with desks and chairs as gunfire echoed through the building.

By the time police secured the premises, multiple victims had been found. Six people were pronounced dead at the school, while another victim died en route to the hospital. Authorities later confirmed that two additional victims were discovered at a nearby residence connected to the suspect.

The suspected attacker, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead at the scene from what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators say the suspect acted alone and had previously attended the school.

Timeline of the Attack

Police believe the violence began earlier at a residence, where two family members of the suspect were killed before the attacker traveled to the school. Once inside, the suspect reportedly moved through the building indiscriminately, targeting anyone encountered. Officials later described the attacker’s actions as “hunting” victims rather than targeting specific individuals.

The school remained under lockdown for more than two hours as law enforcement cleared classrooms and escorted students to safety. Witnesses described scenes of fear and confusion, with many students hiding silently while texting loved ones. Some classrooms were completely barricaded as teachers tried to protect their students.