Eight people, including the shooter, were killed in a mass shooting at a high school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday, according to multiple news sources. Police identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a resident of the small, remote town. The tragedy has left the community in shock, prompting vigils and a nationwide lowering of flags.
The incident began at Van Rootselaar's family residence, where she killed her mother and stepbrother before proceeding to the local high school, according to The Guardian. There, she fatally shot a 39-year-old teacher and five students, including three 12-year-old girls. A female victim with significant injuries survived the shooting and remained in critical condition. Police were called to the home after being alerted by a female youth related to the suspect and victims, according to The Guardian.
The community of Tumbler Ridge, a mining town with a population of approximately 2,400, gathered for a vigil to honor the victims, Euronews reported. The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, expressed the profound impact of the event, with Sky News noting his struggle to find words reflecting the shock felt by Canadians.
Authorities confirmed that Van Rootselaar had previously held a firearms license, Euronews reported. The motive behind the shooting remained under investigation. The incident has raised questions about gun violence in Canada, a country where such events are less common than in the United States, as noted by Sky News. The community is now grappling with grief and seeking answers to understand the tragedy.
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