Shooter’s father speaks about Tumbler Ridge tragedy

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The father of the Tumbler Ridge shooter shared his “deepest sympathies” with the community in the days following the second deadliest mass school shooting in Canadian history. 

Eight people and the shooter, identified as 18-year old Jesse Van Rootselaar, died on February 10th in Tumbler Ridge in a mass shooting at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, with 27 left wounded. 

In a statement published in an article by Global News on February 12th, the father of Jesse Van Rootselaar expressed his “deepest sympathy” to the victims and their families.

“There are moments when words feel far too small for the sorrow we are carrying together,” Justin Van Rootselaar said. 

“To the families who have lost loved ones, and to every person who has been affected by this senseless and unforgivable act of violence, I offer my most heartfelt condolences. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your grief. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I share in the profound sadness that has settled over our community.”

Justin said Jesse’s mother Jennifer Jacobs, then Jennifer Strang – who spoke about concerns about healthcare in the community in 2023 – “declined” his involvement “from the beginning” in Jesse’s life.

“While that distance is the reality of our relationship, it does not lessen the heartbreak I feel for the pain that has been caused to innocent people and to the town we call home,” Justin wrote. 

“What has happened has left an ache in the heart of our town that will not soon fade. In a place where we know each other by name, where we pass one another in the grocery store and gather at the same community events, this loss feels deeply personal to us all.”

On February 12th, Northern Health announced drop-in mental health services would be available to the community for the week, as well as a shuttle from Tumbler Ridge to Dawson Creek via Chetwynd. 

“This is a time for compassion, for holding one another close, and for supporting the families who are grieving such unimaginable loss,” Justin stated. 

A public community vigil is being held at approximately 6 p.m. on February 13th at the Tumbler Ridge Town Hall front steps at 305 Iles Way, according to a Facebook post by the District of Tumbler Ridge.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, governor general Mary Simon and the leaders of the Canadian federal parties are all scheduled to be in attendance. 

“This vigil will provide a space to come together, reflect and honour all those affected by this week’s tragedy,” the post stated.