Father of Tumbler Ridge Shooter Releases Statement Addressing Tragedy
The father of the 18-year-old responsible for the deadly school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has issued a public statement expressing his condolences to the victims' families and addressing his relationship with his son.
Statement Released Through Multiple News Outlets
Justin Van Rootselaar released the statement on Friday through various Canadian news organizations including CTV, CBC, and Global News. In his message, he offered "heartfelt condolences" to the families who lost loved ones and everyone affected by what he described as a "senseless and unforgivable act of violence."
The shooting occurred on February 10, 2026, when police responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The shooter was found dead at the scene along with multiple victims, with approximately 25 additional people injured in the incident.
Victims Identified in Deadly Incident
The deceased victims included six students and one educator:
- Abel Mwansa, age 12
- Ezekiel Schofield, age 13
- Kylie Smith, age 12
- Zoey Benoit, age 12
- Ticaria Lampert, age 12
- Shannda Aviugana-Durand, age 39, an educator
Authorities later discovered that the shooter's mother, 39-year-old Jennifer Jacobs, and his 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, were found deceased in their home.
Father Addresses Estranged Relationship
In his statement, Justin Van Rootselaar clarified that although he was the biological father of the shooter, they had been estranged. He explained that the shooter's mother did not allow him to be involved in raising their child from the beginning.
He also noted that his son did not use the Van Rootselaar family name, instead using the last name Strang throughout his life. The shooter has been identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar (Strang).
Community Mourning and Reflection
The rural community of Tumbler Ridge has been deeply affected by one of Canada's deadliest shootings. Community vigils have been held where residents brought flowers and paid their respects to the victims.
In his statement, Van Rootselaar acknowledged the profound impact on the community, stating: "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."
Father's Personal Sorrow and Distance
Van Rootselaar expressed the difficulty of his position as the biological father of the individual responsible for the violence. "While that distance is the reality of our relationship," he wrote, "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."
He emphasized that this is "a time for compassion, for holding one another close, and for supporting the families who are grieving such unimaginable loss." The statement concluded with Van Rootselaar requesting privacy for his family and indicating there would be no further public statements.
The tragedy has raised numerous questions about school safety, gun regulations, and community support systems in the wake of such devastating violence. As investigations continue, the community of Tumbler Ridge faces the long process of healing from this profound loss.
