The teenage suspect in a mass shooting in rural British Columbia had been the subject of a number of police visits due to mental health issues, according to authorities.
Police confirmed that the 18-year-old, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, killed eight individuals—including six children—during the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Jesse Van Rootselaar had been previously assessed under the Mental Health Act and once held a firearms license.
It remains uncertain who owned the firearms utilized in the attack. Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit the community in the near future.
British Columbia has declared a day of mourning across the province as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy. The incident not only claimed the lives of five students aged 12-13 and a 39-year-old teacher but left two young victims in critical condition.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) indicated a pattern of police visits to Van Rootselaar's home, with allegations of mental health struggles prompting these interactions. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that the suspect had been apprehended for assessment on several occasions.
Victims also included the suspect's mother and step-brother, marking a devastating loss for their families. An investigation is ongoing regarding how the suspect obtained the weapons used in the shooting.
Authorities noted that guns had been seized from the family’s home two years prior but were later returned through a petition. The community has responded with vigils and moments of silence as they mourn the loss of lives during this horrifying event.
