Canadian Leaders Unite in Grief at Tumbler Ridge Vigil for Shooting Victims
Published 14 February 2026
Highlights
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, BC, for eight victims of a mass shooting, including six students and a teacher.
- The suspect, 18-year-old transgender woman Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Federal leaders, including opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, joined Carney in a show of unity, emphasizing national solidarity.
- Nearly 2,000 people attended the vigil, highlighting the community's grief and resilience.
- Police seized four firearms related to the shooting, with investigations ongoing into how the suspect obtained them.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Canadian Leaders Unite in Grief at Tumbler Ridge Vigil for Shooting Victims
In a poignant display of national solidarity, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and other federal leaders at a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, to honor the victims of a devastating mass shooting. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of six students and a teacher, has left the small mining town reeling.
A Community in Mourning
On Friday, nearly 2,000 people gathered in Tumbler Ridge to pay their respects to the victims of one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history. Prime Minister Carney, addressing the crowd, assured them, "Canadians are with you, and we will always be with you." His words resonated deeply with the grieving community, many of whom were visibly moved during the candlelight vigil.
The Tragic Events Unfold
The shooting occurred on Tuesday at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar opened fire, killing five students and a teacher. Earlier that day, Van Rootselaar had also killed her mother and stepbrother at home before taking her own life. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that the suspect was not targeting specific individuals but was instead "hunting" indiscriminately.
National Unity in the Face of Tragedy
The vigil was marked by a rare moment of political unity, as leaders from across the political spectrum set aside their differences to stand together. "Today, there are no Conservatives or Liberals," Poilievre stated. "We are all just mothers and fathers." The leaders, including British Columbia Premier David Eby, praised the courage and resilience of the town's residents, highlighting acts of heroism during the attack.
Ongoing Investigations
Police have seized four firearms in connection with the shooting, two from the suspect's home and two from the school. Authorities are investigating how Van Rootselaar, whose firearm license was set to expire in 2024, obtained the weapons. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
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Scenario Analysis
As Tumbler Ridge begins the long process of healing, questions about gun control and mental health support in Canada are likely to resurface. The unity displayed by political leaders may pave the way for bipartisan discussions on preventing future tragedies. Experts suggest that addressing the root causes of such violence, including access to firearms and mental health resources, will be crucial in shaping future policies. The community's resilience and the nation's support will be vital in navigating the path forward.
In a poignant display of national solidarity, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and other federal leaders at a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, to honor the victims of a devastating mass shooting. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of six students and a teacher, has left the small mining town reeling.
A Community in Mourning
On Friday, nearly 2,000 people gathered in Tumbler Ridge to pay their respects to the victims of one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history. Prime Minister Carney, addressing the crowd, assured them, "Canadians are with you, and we will always be with you." His words resonated deeply with the grieving community, many of whom were visibly moved during the candlelight vigil.
The Tragic Events Unfold
The shooting occurred on Tuesday at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar opened fire, killing five students and a teacher. Earlier that day, Van Rootselaar had also killed her mother and stepbrother at home before taking her own life. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that the suspect was not targeting specific individuals but was instead "hunting" indiscriminately.
National Unity in the Face of Tragedy
The vigil was marked by a rare moment of political unity, as leaders from across the political spectrum set aside their differences to stand together. "Today, there are no Conservatives or Liberals," Poilievre stated. "We are all just mothers and fathers." The leaders, including British Columbia Premier David Eby, praised the courage and resilience of the town's residents, highlighting acts of heroism during the attack.
Ongoing Investigations
Police have seized four firearms in connection with the shooting, two from the suspect's home and two from the school. Authorities are investigating how Van Rootselaar, whose firearm license was set to expire in 2024, obtained the weapons. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
What this might mean
As Tumbler Ridge begins the long process of healing, questions about gun control and mental health support in Canada are likely to resurface. The unity displayed by political leaders may pave the way for bipartisan discussions on preventing future tragedies. Experts suggest that addressing the root causes of such violence, including access to firearms and mental health resources, will be crucial in shaping future policies. The community's resilience and the nation's support will be vital in navigating the path forward.
