Canada Mourns as Tumbler Ridge Mass Shooting Sparks Gun Law Debate
Published 11 February 2026
Highlights
- A mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, left nine dead, including the suspect, and 25 injured.
- The suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Canada's gun laws are stricter than those in the US, with a national freeze on handgun sales since 2022.
- The attack is one of Canada's deadliest mass shootings, prompting national mourning and discussions on gun control.
- The suspect had a lapsed gun license and a history of mental health issues, with police previously visiting the family home.
In a tragic event that has shaken the nation, a mass shooting in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has left nine people dead, including the suspect, and 25 others injured. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada's history, reigniting discussions on the country's gun control laws.
The Incident and Immediate Response
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were alerted to an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at 1:30 PM local time. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was a former student who had dropped out four years ago. Van Rootselaar was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The attack began at the suspect's family home, where Van Rootselaar's mother and step-brother were found dead, before moving to the school where six more lives were claimed.
British Columbia's Minister of Public Safety, Nina Krieger, praised the swift police response, stating it "no doubt" saved lives. Despite the rapid intervention, the community of Tumbler Ridge, home to just 2,400 residents, is left grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Canada's Gun Laws Under Scrutiny
Canada's gun laws, which are stricter than those in the United States, have come under renewed scrutiny following the shooting. Under the Firearms Act, guns must be kept locked and unloaded, and extensive background checks are required for firearm purchases. A national freeze on handgun sales has been in place since 2022, and a gun buy-back program was initiated earlier this year.
Despite these measures, gun-related killings in Canada remain higher than in countries like England and Wales or Australia. The suspect in the Tumbler Ridge shooting had a firearms license that expired in 2024 and was not registered to own any firearms at the time of the attack.
Community and National Reaction
The small community of Tumbler Ridge is in mourning, with residents and officials expressing their grief and shock. Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation, stating, "All of Canada stands with you," and emphasized the need for "important questions" and "difficult conversations" in the days ahead.
Stories of heroism have emerged from the tragedy, with school staff and students taking swift action to protect themselves during the lockdown. Principal Stacie Gruntman and her team secured the school, while older students comforted younger ones.
What this might mean
The Tumbler Ridge shooting has reignited the debate over gun control in Canada, with potential implications for future legislation. Experts suggest that the tragedy may lead to stricter regulations and increased efforts to address mental health issues related to gun violence. As the investigation continues, authorities will likely face pressure to provide answers and implement measures to prevent similar incidents. The nation remains in mourning, with a focus on healing and supporting the affected community.
