The teenage suspect in a mass shooting in rural British Columbia had been the subject of a number of police visits in recent years because of mental health issues, authorities say.
Police say the 18-year-old - who was found dead on the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound - killed eight people, including six children, in Tuesday's attack in Tumbler Ridge.
Jesse Van Rootselaar had previously been apprehended and assessed under the Mental Health Act, and used to have a firearms license. It is unclear who owned the guns used in the attack, or what prompted it. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to visit Tumbler Ridge in the coming days.
British Columbia announced a day of mourning across the province following the tragedy. The shooter and his victims, which included five students aged 12 to 13 and a 39-year-old teacher, were found at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School where the attack took place. At least 25 other individuals were injured in the incident.
Additionally, two family members of the shooter were found dead at their home nearby, where the shooting reportedly began. Current reports indicate that two young victims remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the community has come together to support each other and mourn the loss. Local residents have expressed shock and disbelief that such violence could occur in what they consider a safe environment.
"Small towns are small towns. We look out for each other," said one community member, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of Tumbler Ridge's population of approximately 2,400 residents.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed that there had been a history of police visits to Van Rootselaar's home due to mental health struggles. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that the suspect had been apprehended for evaluations on different occasions.
British Columbia Premier David Eby is in discussions with public healthcare officials to look into the interactions that occurred following these visits.
Flags across Tumbler Ridge are at half-mast as citizens gather to pay their respects and reflect on the recent tragedies while also sharing their grief and supporting one another during this difficult time.
Police say the 18-year-old - who was found dead on the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound - killed eight people, including six children, in Tuesday's attack in Tumbler Ridge.
Jesse Van Rootselaar had previously been apprehended and assessed under the Mental Health Act, and used to have a firearms license. It is unclear who owned the guns used in the attack, or what prompted it. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to visit Tumbler Ridge in the coming days.
British Columbia announced a day of mourning across the province following the tragedy. The shooter and his victims, which included five students aged 12 to 13 and a 39-year-old teacher, were found at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School where the attack took place. At least 25 other individuals were injured in the incident.
Additionally, two family members of the shooter were found dead at their home nearby, where the shooting reportedly began. Current reports indicate that two young victims remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the community has come together to support each other and mourn the loss. Local residents have expressed shock and disbelief that such violence could occur in what they consider a safe environment.
"Small towns are small towns. We look out for each other," said one community member, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of Tumbler Ridge's population of approximately 2,400 residents.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed that there had been a history of police visits to Van Rootselaar's home due to mental health struggles. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that the suspect had been apprehended for evaluations on different occasions.
British Columbia Premier David Eby is in discussions with public healthcare officials to look into the interactions that occurred following these visits.
Flags across Tumbler Ridge are at half-mast as citizens gather to pay their respects and reflect on the recent tragedies while also sharing their grief and supporting one another during this difficult time.
