This morning, in a press conference held in line with Australian time, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (BC RCMP) disclosed that Van Rootselaar, a resident of Tumbler Ridge, is believed to be responsible for the nation’s most severe mass shooting in recent years.

The initial death toll of nine was adjusted downward today after authorities clarified that one victim, initially presumed dead while en route to the hospital, actually survived.

The tragic event in this small mountain community left over 25 individuals injured, with two suffering life-threatening injuries. These critical cases required airlifting to receive urgent medical attention, as reported by the police.

Police recovered a long gun and a modified handgun from the scene; however, the origins of these weapons remain under investigation.

Tumbler Ridge, a quaint village nestled in the Canadian Rockies, houses about 2,700 residents and is situated over 1,000 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, near the Alberta provincial border.

British Columbia Premier David Eby commended the rapid response of law enforcement, noting that officers arrived at the school within two minutes of the incident.

A video showed students walking out with their hands raised as police vehicles surrounded the building and a helicopter circled overhead.

Police found six people dead, RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said.

Van Rootselaar was also found dead of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Two more were found dead at a residence that authorities believe was connected to the attack.

Police have since revealed that Van Roostelaar’s mother, 39, and step-brother, 11, were the two victims found in the residence.

The victims at the school included a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old girls and two boys, aged 12 and 13.

It’s not known whether the suspect had any connection to the victims.

A “young, female relative” who was at the residence when Van Rootselaar’s mother and step-brother were shot, fled to tell neighbours what was happening.

In that time, Van Rootselaar is believed to have made for Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Police were alerted to reports of the shooting at the school first, and did not receive a call about the residence until 17 minutes later.

McDonald said Van Rootselaar was known to police, who had visited the family’s home on mental health-related calls.

“Police have attended that residence in the past, approximately a couple of years ago, where firearms were seized under the Criminal Code,” McDonald said.

“I can say that at a later point in time, the lawful owner of those firearms petitioned for those firearms to be returned, and they were.”

He said police had not attended the home since “spring last year”. Spring runs from March to June in Canada.

“I can say that on different occasions, the suspect was apprehended for assessment and follow-up,” McDonald said, but did not go further into specifics.

McDonald said Van Roostelaar’s gun licence had expired in 2024 and she had no firearms registered in her name.

McDonald said the motive was also unknown at this early stage.

“We do believe the suspect acted alone, and there are currently no other outstanding suspects,” McDonald said.

“Our investigators remain on scene, actively gathering information to determine the full circumstances of what transpired.”

He confirmed that Van Rootselaar had been born biologically male but had transitioned six years ago and identified as female “socially and publicly”.

Asked whether the suspect had been subject to bullying, he said there was no information to suggest that, and that Van Rootselaar had dropped out of school four years ago.

Canada’s House of Commons opened their new session with a moment of silence before Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre paid tribute to the victims, their loved ones, and their small community.

Carney said Tumbler Hills represented “the very best of Canada”.

”Yesterday morning, parents in Tumbler Ridge sent their children off to school, and some will never be able to hug their children again,” he said, speaking in French.

“These children and their teachers bore witness to unheard of cruelty.”

The prime minister has cancelled a planned trip to Nova Scotia and Germany, and announced that flags would be flown at half-mast throughout the nation.

Tomorrow – Thursday local time – has been declared a day of mourning in British Columbia.

It was announced in a joint statement from Government House Leader Mike Farnworth, Official Opposition House Leader Á’a:líya Warbus, and BC Greens House Leader Rob Botterell.

Thursday was also set to feature the Throne Speech for the legislative assembly – a ceremony that opens a new season of parliament.

However, that has been postponed and the assembly will instead hold a moment of silence.

“The people of British Columbia mourn together with the people of Tumbler Ridge. We are united and will continue to ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days,” the leaders said in their statement.

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).

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