Heroism Amid Horror: Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Tragedy Unfolds
In the quiet community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a devastating mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, has left eight people dead and two children seriously injured. The tragedy, which has thrust this small town of roughly 2,500 residents into the national spotlight, is marked by heartbreaking loss and remarkable acts of courage.
Acts of Bravery in the Classroom
When gunshots echoed through the halls of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, science teacher Mark Deeley sprang into action. Hearing the danger, he used a chair to barricade the door of his classroom, prioritizing the safety of his students over his own son, who was in the washroom at the time. Inside the room, older students comforted younger ones, offering snacks and telling jokes to alleviate fear during the chaos.
Deeley’s heroism didn’t stop there. Spotting a critically injured child in the hallway, he brought them into the classroom, where he and two students administered first aid and provided comfort. B.C. Premier David Eby, speaking at a vigil on Friday, February 13, praised these actions, stating, “I hope I’m never called on to do what they had to do. But having spent a couple days here now in Tumbler Ridge, I can tell you that what they did is emblematic of this town.”
Community Mourns and Leaders Unite
A vigil held on Friday drew hundreds of mourners, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and other politicians from across Canada. Attendees held candles and photos of the victims, honoring the lives lost in this close-knit community. The names of the deceased were read aloud, including students Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Abel Mwansa Jr., and Ezekiel Schofield, as well as education assistant Shannda Aviugana-Durand. Prime Minister Carney also mourned Jennifer and Emmett Jacobs, the mother and brother of the shooter, whose bodies were found in a nearby home.
Carney addressed the crowd, emphasizing the community’s resilience: “Tumbler Ridge is full of grace this evening. You held each other – as you’re holding each other right now. This is grace. It’s what we do for each other; it’s what we receive from each other. Open hearts when the world falls apart.” Premier Eby assured that students would not be forced to return to the school, promising a safe alternative location, and shared a lighter moment by mentioning Deeley’s request to relocate his lizard and fish to maintain familiarity.
RCMP Investigation Reveals Chilling Details
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald provided updates on the investigation, revealing that the shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, brought a long gun and a modified rifle into the school. Police arrived within minutes to sounds of fire alarms and warnings from a window, encountering gunfire upon entry. McDonald described the shooter as “hunting, for lack of a better term, engaging anybody and everybody they could come in contact with,” with no specific targeting of individuals.
Four guns have been seized in total—two from the school and two from the family home. Investigators are working to determine the origin of the primary firearm used in the shooting, noting that a shotgun from the home was unregistered. Police had previously visited the home for mental health concerns and seized firearms under the Criminal Code, which were later returned. The shooter’s mother had a valid licence, but no firearms were registered to it, with certain types exempt from registration requirements.
Ongoing Efforts and Support
The RCMP has interviewed over 80 students, educators, and first responders, and launched an online portal for evidence submission, such as phone footage from inside the school. Autopsies on the victims and shooter are expected by the weekend, while two injured children remain hospitalized. A specialized team is assessing the suspect’s online activity and digital footprint, along with reviewing all prior police interactions.
As Tumbler Ridge grapples with this tragedy, the community’s strength and unity shine through. Premier Eby highlighted this spirit, saying, “Things are going to be different, but there are going to be things that are familiar. And one of those things is the courage and the bravery and the amazing kids, the students, the young adults, the people of Tumbler Ridge.” The nation stands in solidarity with this resilient town during this unimaginable time.
