By The Canadian Press

‘A nation mourns with you’: Reaction to the mass shooting in B.C.

Feb 11, 2026 | 10:17 AM

RCMP say officers had a history of visiting the home of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old responsible for Tuesday’s mass shooting at a high school and a residence in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. They say the woman killed her mother and 11-year-old stepbrother before going to the school with two guns and killing a teacher and five children. She then killed herself.

Here is what RCMP and others are saying about the shootings that left nine dead:

“Police had attended that residence on multiple occasions over the past several years, dealing with concerns of mental health with respect to our suspect. I can say that on different occasions the suspect was apprehended for assessment and followup.” — RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald

“We understand the community has questions and we understand that they want to know the motive behind this tragic incident. We do believe the suspect acted alone.” — RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald

“All of the parents came to the community centre looking for their children and some found their children, and some did not. And so it’s a tragedy, you know. No one ever wants to experience losing one of their children.” — Pastor Gerald Krauss of the New Life Assembly church in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

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“The trauma and impact of this loss are immeasurable. There is no timeline for how each of us will process this grief and immense loss, both individually and as a community.” — Tumbler Ridge Secondary School

“In such a closely connected town, every child’s name will be known and every family will be a neighbour.” — King Charles

“At the end of the day, every citizen and every person in Tumbler Ridge, including our first responders, are going home to their families to try and explain this. And sometimes there’s just not a way to explain this. So we’ll continue providing that support, however it’s needed.” — RCMP North District Commander Supt. Ken Floyd.

“Parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love. A nation mourns with you, Canada stands by you.” — Prime Minister Mark Carney

“We take it for granted. You go to school, you come home safe. And events like this give us pause about that safety that many Canadians have the privilege to enjoy across this country.” — British Columbia Premier David Eby

“My heart is broken for the province, for the people of Tumbler Ridge, for the parents, the students, the teachers, and the first responders.” — interim leader of the B.C. Conservatives Trevor Halford

“My thoughts are with the students, families, educators, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. This is a small, close-knit town, and the impact of an event like this is felt by everyone.” — Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld.

“In times of profound tragedy, Canadians come together, we support our neighbours, our communities, and do everything we can to help each other move forward together.” — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

“Schools should always be places of safety and care. Manitoba stands with our friends and relatives in British Columbia as they grieve this.” — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew

“Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who are injured, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. Team Canada stands with everyone affected as they navigate difficult days ahead.” — Canadian Olympic Committee

“We stand with you in support during this time of unbearable grief and mourning.” — Toronto Blue Jays

“As a father, a senseless tragedy like this hits in a place that is hard to put into words. You think about the families whose lives have been changed forever, and I can’t begin to comprehend the pain they are living through.” – Michael Buble

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2026.

The Canadian Press