Criminal also killed her brother before breaking into the school in Tumbler Ridge; teacher is among the dead
The shooting attack in the city of Tumbler Ridge, in British Columbia (Canada), last Tuesday (10). The police found bodies in a residence and school Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
According to the Canadian newspaper CBC News, the fatal victims identified are:
- 39-year-old Jennifer Strang: Mother of the shooter, found dead in the family home;
- Brother of the 11-year-old shooter: The author’s half-brother, found dead in the same residence;
- A 39-year-old educator: Employee killed inside the school;
- Five students: Three 12-year-old girls and two boys (one 12 and the other 13). Most were in the school library.
Also according to the newspaper, a girl named Maya, aged 12, was taken by helicopter to the hospital with serious injuries. Another patient was also transported to Vancouver in critical condition. Another 25 people received medical help, without life-threatening injuries.
During a press conference, British Columbia Premier David Eby asked for a minute of silence in Maya’s honor. “We were asked, as a group, to take a moment of silence to pray, however people pray or reflect, for the family of [Maya] right now,” he said.
“And this moment, to me, represents the profound tragedy — of a beautiful child who went to school, had joy and love, and who is now fighting for her life in a hospital — and of the other children who died,” Eby added.
Author of two shots
Police identified the perpetrator as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. According to police, she was a transgender woman. The author committed suicide on the spot. She also fired at security forces.
According to police, there were previous calls to the family’s residence related to mental health and weapons. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said he did not know the motivation for the crime.
Video shows students leaving school
A video circulating on social media shows the moment when other students who were inside the school fled after being released by the police. Children can be seen leaving the scene with their hands up. They continue in line while a police officer holds the door.
🚨 NEW 🚨
I’ve obtained exclusive footage captured by locals in Tumbler Ridge.
Truly harrowing scenes…
🧵
— Jarryd Jaeger (@JarrydJaeger)
