A tragic and deadly incident unfolded in the usually peaceful community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Tuesday, resulting in 10 fatalities and at least 25 injuries. The event encompassed a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a connected private residence, carried out by 18-year-old Jesse Strang, also known as Jesse Van Rootselaar, who later died by suicide. This horrific event marks Canada's second-deadliest school shooting in the nation's history.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that Jesse Strang, who was born male and began identifying as a girl at age 12, opened fire at the school. In total, nine victims lost their lives: six at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, and an additional victim who succumbed to their injuries while en route to the hospital. Furthermore, Strang murdered their mother, Jennifer Strang (39), and younger brother, Emmett (11), at their family home prior to the school attack. After the rampage, the shooter died by suicide at the school. Initial reports of higher school fatalities were later clarified by RCMP.

Among the injured, 12-year-old Maya Gebala was critically wounded, sustaining gunshot wounds to the head and neck. Her grief-stricken mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a heartbreaking update from Vancouver Children's Hospital, stating that doctors had warned Maya might not survive the night due to extensive brain damage. Edmonds pleaded for a miracle, expressing her profound pain and grief not only for her daughter but also for the other families affected by the tragedy. Maya, a skilled defender on the local Tumbler Ridge Raptors under-13 ice hockey team, is fighting for her life, and a GoFundMe page has been established by her family to support her recovery and allow her mother time off work.

RCMP investigations revealed that Jesse Van Rootselaar had a history of mental health issues, with police having attended the family residence on multiple occasions. Firearms were previously seized from the home under the Criminal Code approximately a couple of years ago, but were later returned to the lawful owner after a petition. Van Rootselaar had dropped out of school at age 14 and was described by acquaintances as a 'quiet kid.' The shooter reportedly used their mother's surname, Strang, socially and at school.

The incident shattered Tumbler Ridge, a picturesque mountain valley town of about 2,400 to 2,700 residents, previously known as an 'incredibly safe community.' Mayor Darryl Krakowka expressed his devastation, noting that he likely knew every one of the victims. British Columbia Premier David Eby and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney both offered condolences, emphasizing the collective grief and the courage of first responders. Premier Eby urged the people of British Columbia to support Tumbler Ridge, while Prime Minister Carney suspended planned international trips.

Students at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School described hiding for hours, barricading doors and making escape plans, amidst a lockdown alarm that sounded shortly after 1:30 PM. Many were escorted out of the building with their hands raised by police, with images of bloodied scenes circulating among students. The secondary school, which enrolls 175 students, and its elementary school will remain closed for the rest of the week as the community grapples with the aftermath.

This mass shooting is Canada's deadliest rampage since a 2020 incident in Nova Scotia that killed 22 people. In response to previous mass shootings, Canada's government has implemented stricter gun control measures, including a recently broadened ban on assault weapons. The motive behind Jesse Strang's deadly actions remains unclear as investigations continue into the connection between the shooter and the victims.