Tumbler Ridge Mass Shooter's Troubled Background and Firearms Access Under Scrutiny
The tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has brought to light a deeply concerning history of the perpetrator, Jesse Van Rootselaar, along with critical failures in Canada's firearms licensing system. Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old with documented mental health struggles and repeated police interventions, managed to obtain and maintain access to firearms, culminating in a deadly rampage that claimed nine lives, including her own, her mother, and her stepbrother.
A History of Mental Health Issues and Police Interventions
Van Rootselaar's life was marked by instability and mental health challenges from an early age. Growing up moving between provinces, she faced court battles and ongoing psychological difficulties. Authorities confirmed that RCMP officers had been called to the family's home multiple times over the years specifically for mental health concerns. On more than one occasion, police apprehended Van Rootselaar for assessment under British Columbia's Mental Health Act, indicating serious and recurring issues.
The most recent police visit occurred in the spring prior to the shooting, responding to concerns about the suspect's mental health and potential for self-harm. This pattern of intervention highlights the persistent nature of her condition and the awareness of authorities regarding her vulnerabilities.
Firearms Licensing System Criticized as Inadequate
Despite this documented history, Van Rootselaar held a firearms licence that was set to expire in 2024. In Canada, youth aged 12 to 17 can apply for a minor's firearms licence with parental consent, personal references, and a medical background check, allowing them to borrow non-restricted firearms for approved purposes like hunting and target practice. At age 18, licence holders must reapply for a standard possession and acquisition licence.
Brian Landry, an RCMP-certified firearms instructor who works with residents in Tumbler Ridge, Dawson Creek, and surrounding areas, stated unequivocally that the system "failed" in Van Rootselaar's case. "An individual with mental illness slipped through the cracks. This person should have never been in a place where they had access to firearms," Landry emphasized. He further noted that in a home where someone has documented mental health issues, firearms should never have been present.
Previous Firearms Seizure and Return
Adding to the complexity of the situation, police had seized firearms from the home two years prior under the Criminal Code. However, these weapons were later returned to the lawful owner following a petition. This decision occurred despite the ongoing mental health concerns surrounding Van Rootselaar, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing safeguards and the prioritization of public safety.
Landry described the security requirements taught during mandatory firearms possession courses, which stipulate that guns must be stored in a locked safe with keys kept inaccessible. If these conditions are not met, others living in the residence are legally considered to have access to the firearms, creating potential loopholes in household safety protocols.
Family Involvement with Firearms Culture
Van Rootselaar's interest in firearms was shared and even encouraged by her mother, Jennifer Strang, 39, who was among the victims of the shooting. In a 2024 Facebook post, Strang captioned a photo of multiple rifles in a hunting box with, "Think it's time to take them out for some target practice." Years earlier, in July 2021, she encouraged Facebook friends to follow her child's page, noting that Van Rootselaar "posts about hunting, self-reliance, guns and stuff."
Archived copies of the now-deleted account revealed videos of Van Rootselaar practicing with a tactical 12-gauge shotgun and a semi-automatic rifle at a range. The account's profile description, which last read "None of this makes sense," adds a haunting layer to the online persona that intersected with real-world violence.
Community Impact and Broader Implications
The shooting has devastated the small, mountain-surrounded town of Tumbler Ridge, which has approximately 2,400 residents and a culture deeply tied to hunting and outdoor life. The incident stands as one of Canada's deadliest shootings, prompting urgent discussions about mental health support, firearms regulation, and the intersection of online content with violent behavior.
Van Rootselaar had recently described violent online content as 'addictive,' pointing to potential influences beyond immediate circumstances. As the community mourns and investigators piece together the events, the case underscores the critical need for robust systems that prevent individuals with severe mental health issues from accessing lethal weapons, while balancing the rights and traditions of lawful gun owners in rural Canada.
