Authorities investigate the Tumbler Ridge shooter’s mental health history and prior contacts with police and healthcare systems

TUMBLER RIDGE: Canadian police have identified the 18-year-old perpetrator of a mass shooting in this remote mining town. Authorities are now investigating the suspect’s mental health history and her previous interactions with police and healthcare providers.

Police commander Dwayne McDonald said the motive for Tuesday’s rare shooting remains unknown. The shooter, who took her own life, was known to have mental health issues.

McDonald identified the shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar, a transgender woman. She killed her mother and stepbrother before shooting dead six others at the local high school, which she had dropped out of four years prior.

British Columbia Premier David Eby confirmed the shooter was known to police. He said officials have begun reaching out to the public health system to understand past interactions.

Authorities stated the shooter had previously held a lapsed firearms license. Weapons had been confiscated from her residence in the past but were later returned.

“I have a lot of questions. I know the people of Tumbler Ridge have a lot of questions,” Eby said. He added officials want to do all they can to prevent future tragedies.

Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil in the small town of about 2,400 people. Nearly everyone has a connection to one of the victims.

“I couldn’t wrap my head around it,” said local miner Emphraim Almazan. He said he could not believe it happened in Tumbler Ridge.

The initial death toll was revised down from nine to eight. Premier Eby noted a young girl was still fighting for her life.

Officers found six people dead inside the high school. The victims were a 39-year-old teacher and five students: three 12-year-old girls and two boys, aged 13 and 12.

Twelve-year-old Maya Gebala was clinging to life after being shot in the head and neck. Her aunt, Krystal Hunt, told CBC the child tried to lock the library door to save others before being wounded.

Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said police responded within two minutes of the call. The shooter was armed with a long-barreled gun and a pistol.

McDonald said the shooter was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the massacre. Flags will be lowered nationwide to half-staff for seven days.

Prime Minister Mark Carney gave an emotional address to parliament following one of Canada’s deadliest shootings. He said the entire country stands with the community.

Carney described Tumbler Ridge as a tough, blue-collar place representing the best of Canada. He said the community is resilient, compassionate and strong.

“We will get through this. We will learn from this,” Carney stated. Britain’s King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were profoundly shocked and saddened.

School shootings remain rare in Canada compared to the United States. The tragedy follows the 2020 Nova Scotia shooting that claimed 22 lives.

Police identified Van Rootselaar as transgender, noting she began transitioning six years ago. She identified as a woman both socially and publicly.

Student Darian Quist told CBC he was in class when a lockdown was announced. He initially did not think anything was happening.

Quist started receiving disturbing photos of the carnage during the lockdown. He stayed for over two hours until police stormed in and escorted everyone out.

Area schools will remain closed for the rest of the week.

 The Sun Malaysia