Newly revealed documents, obtained through the efforts of CBC News and a group of media organizations, shed light on the RCMP’s actions and inquiry into the tragic mass shooting that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in February 2026.
The unsealed documents, which include various legal orders like search warrants and production orders, offer insights into the intricate investigation, presenting law enforcement’s perspective on the day of the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Although many parts of the documents remain redacted, crucial details such as the timeline of events, including the response time of officers entering the school after reports of gunfire, are left undisclosed.
According to the documents, on February 10, 2026, the RCMP reacted to an active shooter situation at the high school in Tumbler Ridge and discovered six deceased individuals amidst numerous spent shell casings. The perpetrator, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found deceased in the school with self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Descriptions in the search warrants filed by the RCMP outline the evidence, both physical and electronic, collected by the police as they worked to reconstruct the events of that tragic day.
The aftermath of the mass shooting, one of the deadliest in Canadian history, deeply impacted the small community of Tumbler Ridge. The incident is now under examination through a coroner’s inquest, focusing on mental health, access to firearms, and the role of artificial intelligence in the tragedy.
Throughout the documents, the shooter, Van Rootselaar, is identified by various names including her last name, full name, “Jesse,” and “the shooter.”
Details from a production and sealing order provided by Const. Jonathan Paquin of the RCMP North District Major Crime Unit on March 6 highlight the series of frantic 911 calls received on the fateful morning when chaos erupted in Tumbler Ridge.
Reports indicated an SUV driving erratically from the residence of Jesse, followed by multiple calls reporting shots fired at the secondary school. The response timeline, detailing officers’ actions upon arrival, entry into the school, and discovery of victims, is meticulously recorded in the documents.
The documents also reveal confusion regarding a potential second shooter due to aliases associated with Van Rootselaar. However, it was later clarified that these aliases referred to the same individual.
Details concerning firearms and electronic evidence remain sealed, with search warrants outlining the items sought by police, including firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices linked to Van Rootselaar.
An investigation into firearms traced from the school and another undisclosed address revealed the presence of shotguns and a rifle, although specific details are redacted.
Moreover, electronic records pertaining to Van Rootselaar’s interactions with law enforcement, social media accounts, and AI usage are extensively redacted, highlighting the complexity of the investigation.
Concerns over the potential risk of disclosing information prematurely are emphasized in an application to seal the documents, citing the need to protect ongoing investigations and the public interest.
The application underscores the delicate balance between transparency and safeguarding the integrity of the investigation, aiming to prevent potential harm and ensure a thorough review of the case.