Transgender shot up school in canada: flags at half mast
JESSE VAN ROOTSELAAR, A MALE
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia — Canada
By SyndicatedNews Educators | SNN.BZ
Canada is grieving after one of the deadliest mass shootings in its recent history unfolded in the remote northeastern town of Tumbler Ridge. On February 10, 2026, an 18‑year‑old former student attacked Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, killing multiple people and wounding many others before taking her own life. Flags across the province and at schools have been ordered at half‑mast as a symbol of national mourning and respect for the victims.
According to police and official reports, Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18‑year‑old man with a documented history of mental health issues, first killed his mother and half‑brother at their home before driving to the secondary school.
Once inside, he opened fire, killing six people — including five students aged 12 to 13 and a 39‑year‑old teaching assistant — and injuring more than 25 others. Van Rootselaar was later found dead of a self‑inflicted injury at the scene.
Authorities initially reported eight victims plus the shooter but later figures and ongoing investigations report nine fatalities connected to the incident, including those at the home and at the school.
Nationwide Response and Mourning
In response to the tragedy, federal and provincial leaders expressed deep sorrow. Canadian flags at government buildings and educational institutions have been flown at half‑mast — a traditional gesture of mourning used in Canada on the death of prominent figures or tragic events affecting communities. At many schools and public offices, flags remain lowered as families and the nation continue to grieve.
Local school boards also directed that flags be lowered in sympathy with those affected. Protocols in Canada allow flags to be flown at half‑mast in the wake of significant loss or when directed by officials to honour the deceased.
Investigations and Safety Concerns
In the days following the shooting, the Canadian government and law enforcement faced pressing questions about whether warnings were missed in the months leading up to the rampage. It emerged that Van Rootselaar had been previously flagged and had his ChatGPT account banned in June 2025 for violent content, but authorities were not notified at the time. This has sparked debate about AI safety protocols and the responsibility of tech companies to report troubling behavior to law enforcement.
Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Minister summoned representatives from OpenAI to Ottawa to explain current escalation procedures and discuss potential reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
Community Impact
Tumbler Ridge, a town of roughly 2,400 residents, has been deeply affected by the violence. Authorities, educators, parents and mental‑health professionals have called for increased support for survivors and families of victims, as well as better preventive measures against future attacks. British Columbia’s Premier described the events as an “unimaginable tragedy” that has left a lasting wound on the community.
Moving Forward
Funeral services and memorials continue as the province observes a period of mourning. Schools across British Columbia and Canada are reviewing safety protocols, and a national conversation on how to better identify and intervene before such violence occurs is underway.
Flags at half‑mast remain a visible reminder of the loss endured not just by Tumbler Ridge, but by a nation shaken by the shock of senseless violence.
Souls lost were Abel Mwansa, age 12.
Ezekiel Schofield, age 13.
Kylie Smith, age 12.
Zoey Benoit, age 12.
Ticaria Lampert, age 12.
