Jesse van Rootselaar Bio: Age, Tumbler Ridge Shooting, Transgender Identity, Family, Background etc
Jesse van Rootselaar became tragically known in February 2026 as the suspect in one of Canada’s deadliest school shootings, which occurred in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The 18-year-old carried out attacks at a family home and Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, resulting in multiple fatalities before dying by suicide. This incident shocked the nation and sparked discussions on mental health, gun access, and school safety in Canada.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jesse van Rootselaar (also reported as Jesse Van Rootselaar) |
| Known As | Suspect in Tumbler Ridge school shooting |
| Age | 18 (at time of incident in February 2026) Invalid birthday format (exact birth date not publicly confirmed) |
| Birth Place | Likely Tumbler Ridge or nearby, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Known For | Perpetrator of the 2026 Tumbler Ridge mass shooting |
| Gender Identity | Identified as female (trans woman); assigned male at birth |
| Transition Timeline | Began transitioning approximately six years prior (around age 12) |
| Education | Former student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School; high school dropout (approx. 4 years prior) |
| Occupation | None reported (school dropout) |
| Family | Mother (deceased, victim); stepbrother (deceased, victim); other family details limited |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Children | None |
| Mental Health | History of police contact for mental health concerns |
| Cause of Death | Self-inflicted gunshot wound |
| Incident Date | February 10, 2026 |
| Net Worth | Not applicable / none reported |
Early Life & Background
Limited public information exists about Jesse van Rootselaar’s early life due to privacy considerations and the recency of the events. Born around 2007–2008 (making them 18 in 2026), van Rootselaar grew up in Tumbler Ridge, a small, remote mining community in northern British Columbia with a population of under 2,000.
Van Rootselaar attended Tumbler Ridge Secondary School but dropped out approximately four years before the incident (around age 14). Police noted prior interactions with law enforcement at the family home related to mental health concerns, including responses to welfare checks. Firearms had been seized and later returned in connection with these incidents.
Around six years before the shooting (approximately 2020, at age 12), van Rootselaar began transitioning and publicly identified as female, using the name Jesse and presenting as a woman.
The Tumbler Ridge Incident (Career / Notable Event)
Jesse van Rootselaar is primarily known for the February 10, 2026, attacks in Tumbler Ridge. The sequence began at a private residence, where van Rootselaar fatally shot their 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother. The perpetrator then proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, opening fire and killing additional victims, including a teacher and several students.
The total death toll was nine (including van Rootselaar), with over 25 others injured. Victims at the school included a female educator (around 39 years old), three 12-year-old girls, and two boys (ages 12 and 13). Police described the suspect as acting alone, with no clear motive released as investigations continued.
Van Rootselaar was found dead at the school from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The individual had previously held a legal firearms license (expired in 2024) but was not the registered owner of the weapons used.
This event ranks among Canada’s worst school-related mass shootings in recent decades, prompting national mourning and renewed calls for mental health support and firearm regulations.
Key Incident Stats
- Date: February 10, 2026
- Location: Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
- Fatalities: 9 (including perpetrator)
- Injuries: 27+
- Victims: Mother, stepbrother, teacher, 5 students
- Weapons: Long gun and modified handgun reported
Personal Life
Details about Jesse van Rootselaar’s personal life remain scarce beyond family and mental health context. No public information indicates romantic relationships, marriage, or children.
The family home had a documented history of police attendance for mental health-related matters. Van Rootselaar lived with their mother and stepbrother at the time of the incident.
No hobbies, interests, or community involvement details have been publicly shared.
Controversies
The incident itself is highly controversial, with discussions focusing on:
- Mental health intervention failures despite prior police contacts.
- Access to firearms in a household with known mental health concerns.
- Gender identity aspects, which some media highlighted, leading to polarized online commentary.
- Broader debates on school safety in remote Canadian communities.
No prior criminal record or other controversies were reported before February 2026.
Physical Statistics
Limited details available:
- Age at incident: 18
- Height / Weight: Not publicly reported
- Hair: Described in initial reports as brown
- Other: Presented as female at the time of the incident
Interesting Facts
- The shooting took place in one of Canada’s most isolated communities, complicating initial response.
- Van Rootselaar was a former student but not enrolled at the time.
- Police revised the initial death toll from 10 to 9 after confirmation.
- The case drew international attention due to its scale and the perpetrator’s age and identity.
Did You Know Already?
Jesse van Rootselaar’s actions marked one of the deadliest mass casualty events in British Columbia’s history, occurring in a town better known for coal mining than violence.
Social Media Links
No verified or active personal social media accounts for Jesse van Rootselaar have been publicly identified or linked in news reports. Any related profiles are unconfirmed and not recommended for viewing due to sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jesse van Rootselaar?
Jesse van Rootselaar was an 18-year-old from Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, identified by police as the perpetrator of a mass shooting on February 10, 2026, that killed nine people, including family members and school victims.
What happened in the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
The suspect fatally shot their mother and stepbrother at home, then attacked Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, killing additional victims before dying by suicide.
What was Jesse van Rootselaar’s gender identity?
Police stated van Rootselaar was assigned male at birth but identified as female and had been transitioning for about six years.
Why did the shooting happen?
No motive has been publicly confirmed; investigations highlighted a history of mental health concerns.
Was Jesse van Rootselaar attending school at the time?
No, they had dropped out approximately four years earlier.
What was the death toll?
Nine people died, including the perpetrator, with more than 25 injured.
Conclusion
The story of Jesse van Rootselaar is a tragic one tied to a devastating act of violence that impacted a small Canadian community and the nation. It underscores ongoing challenges around mental health support and public safety. If this overview helped provide context, feel free to share it thoughtfully.
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Jesse van Rootselaar Bio, Age, Family, Background, Tumbler Ridge Shooting, Transgender Identity in 2026
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Learn about Jesse van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old suspect in the 2026 Tumbler Ridge school shooting in Canada. Details on age, family, mental health history, incident facts, and aftermath in this factual overview.
