Police have identified the suspect in the killing of multiple people at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in B.C. as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar of Tumbler Ridge.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said at a Feb. 11 press conference that nine people, including the shooter, were killed in the Feb. 10 incident and 27 others were injured. McDonald said the police force was wrong in its earlier assessment that 10 people had died.
McDonald said one teacher and five students, aged 12 to 13, were found dead at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. He added that Van Rootselaar’s mother and a sibling were also found dead at the family home.
Neighbours of the suspect’s family who spoke to The Epoch Times described Van Rootselaar as a transgender person with a history of mental health issues.
Police confirmed the suspect was born as a biological male, and began a gender transition process roughly six years ago. Authorities also said they have a history of attending the suspect’s residence, including for mental health issues as well as to secure firearms. McDonald said the most recent visit occurred last spring and was connected to issues of mental health and firearm-related concerns.