New details regarding the RCMP’s response and investigation into the tragic mass shooting that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in February 2026 have been revealed through the unsealing of documents by CBC News and a media consortium. These documents, which include search warrants, production orders, and sealing orders, offer insights into the intricate investigative process and provide law enforcement’s perspective on the events that transpired at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
While the released files shed light on how front-line officers experienced the unfolding events, significant portions of the documents remain redacted, including crucial timestamps detailing the timeline of the response, such as the duration it took for officers to enter the school after reports of gunfire.
On February 10, 2026, the RCMP responded to an active shooter situation at the high school in Tumbler Ridge, where they discovered six deceased victims amidst spent shell casings. The identified shooter was 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found deceased in the school from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Search warrants filed by the RCMP outline the evidence, both physical and electronic, that was collected as part of the investigation to reconstruct the events of that fateful day. Additionally, a sealing order expressed concerns about releasing records related to the investigation, citing potential impacts on future public inquests and public safety.
The tragic incident, considered one of the worst in Canadian history, has prompted a coroner’s inquest to delve into the role of mental health, access to weapons, and artificial intelligence in the tragedy. The documents refer to the shooter by various identifiers, including her last name, full name, “Jesse,” and “the shooter.”
Descriptions in the documents detail a series of 911 calls reporting an erratic driver and shots fired, which ultimately led to the devastating events at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The documents provide a detailed account of the response by law enforcement, from officers arriving on the scene to the discovery of victims and the shooter.
Details about firearms recovered from the scene and Van Rootselaar’s residence remain sealed, along with electronic records, including social media accounts and interactions with law enforcement. Concerns about premature disclosure of information potentially influencing ongoing investigations and public safety have been raised, emphasizing the need for caution in handling sensitive details related to the case.