Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute to the victims of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, at a vigil on Friday, February 13, 2026. The shooting, which occurred at a secondary school, claimed the lives of nine mostly school-aged children and injured dozens more.
Memo Warns of Misinformation and Polarization
Days after the tragedy, a memo addressed to Prime Minister Carney warned that false claims and misinformation regarding violence and transgender individuals were spreading online. The document, prepared by the Privy Council Office and partially released to the National Post under federal access-to-information laws, was dated three days after the shooting.
Officials flagged that the incident risked fueling criticisms around firearm regulations. The memo included an appendix analyzing public sentiment in the immediate aftermath, noting grief, shock, and national mourning, as well as calls to support victims.
Emerging Polarization on Social Media
The memo stated: “Early signs of polarization are emerging, particularly on social media, where identity-related narratives, policy debates, and misinformation are beginning to fragment public discourse.” It specified that polarization was observed regarding the shooter’s identity, identity-based political commentary, disputes over police handling of gender identity, and hostile exchanges between ideological groups.
It added: “False claims and misinformation involving transgender violence have circulated online. Media reporting confirms social media narratives fuelling anti-trans rhetoric.”
Shooter’s Identity and Government Response
The shooter, identified by police as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead from a self-inflicted wound. He was born a biological male and later transitioned to female. The memo noted that Women and Gender Equality Canada was among federal departments offering support, funding LGBTQ organizations, and addressing the tragedy’s impact on the broader transgender and LGBTQ community.
It also highlighted an anti-stigma campaign launched by the department to address discrimination faced by gender-diverse individuals. “This may be useful for community leaders, educators, and parents to discuss these issues with children and others impacted by the tragedy,” the memo said.
Firearm Regulations Under Scrutiny
Regarding firearms, the memo outlined that social media sentiment shifted from grief to accountability-driven questions about mental health interventions, firearms access, and whether warning signs were missed. The document serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in addressing both the immediate tragedy and the broader societal divisions it has exposed.
