The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has identified the suspect in the fatal Tumbler Ridge mass shooting as Jesse Van Rutselaer. At least nine people were killed in this incident in Canada. Authorities noted that most of the victims were born in 2012 and 2013, which would have made them between 12 and 14 years old.
Aerial view of the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School building where a shooting killed at least nine people in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia on February 11, 2026. (AFP)One was found dead in the stairwell, others were found in the school library, the Mounties shared during their press conference. Here’s everything to know about Jesse Van Rutselaer.
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Jesse Van Rutselaer: 5 Things to KnowJesse Van Rutselaar, the suspect, is 18 years old and a resident of Tumbler Ridge.Two firearms — a long gun and a modified handgun — were recovered by responding officers and are expected to be a major part of the subsequent investigation into the shooting.Police have responded to Van Rutselaer’s home for mental health-related calls over the years and have dealt with some weapons.The suspect does not currently attend Tumbler Ridge Secondary School where the shooting took place and dropped out four years ago.Authorities said Van Rutselaar identified as female but was assigned male at birth. The suspect began moving about six years ago, authorities shared.Authorities also shared that they did not find a note from the suspect but it was written. According to police, they didn’t arrive at Van Rutselaer’s home until around 2:45 pm MST (4:45 pm ET) on Tuesday. A young female relative of the home went to the neighbor’s house before the neighbor called the police.
The death first occurred at the home before the suspect began violence at the school, police shared.
Among those found dead at the school were a female teacher, 39, three 12-year-old girls and two boys – one 12 and the other 13. A 39-year-old woman and 11-year-old boy were found dead at the home of the Van Rutsela family, both related to the suspect, authorities said.
