New details of the RCMP’s response and investigation into the mass shooting that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in February 2026 have been revealed through documents unsealed by CBC News and a group of media organizations. These documents, which include search warrants, production orders, and sealing orders, offer insight into the law enforcement’s handling of the tragic event at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
The unredacted files from the RCMP shed light on the experiences of front-line officers during the incident. However, crucial timestamps detailing the timeline of events, such as the response time of officers entering the school after reports of gunfire, remain redacted.
According to the documents, on February 10, 2026, the RCMP responded to an active shooter situation at the high school in Tumbler Ridge, where six individuals were found dead amid spent shell casings. The perpetrator, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was discovered deceased in the school with self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Search warrants filed by the RCMP outlined the evidence, both physical and electronic, gathered as part of the investigation to reconstruct the events of that fateful day. A sealing order expressed concerns about the potential impact of releasing records related to the investigation on future public inquests and public safety.
The tragic incident, described as one of Canada’s worst mass shootings, deeply affected the small community in northern B.C. A coroner’s inquest is currently underway to explore the role of mental health, access to firearms, and artificial intelligence in the tragedy.
The documents reveal that multiple 911 calls reported an erratic driver and shots fired, leading to a swift response from the RCMP. The confusion around the identity of the shooter, who went by various aliases including Jesse Jacobs and Jesse Strain, added complexity to the investigation before it was established that these identities referred to the same individual.
Details of the firearms involved in the incident remain sealed, with redacted information regarding the firearms traced by the Canadian Firearms Program. The investigation also delved into the electronic records of Van Rootselaar, including her interactions with law enforcement and social media activity.
Police expressed concerns about the potential risks of disclosing sensitive information prematurely, citing the ongoing criminal investigation, the coroner’s inquest, and the possibility of inspiring copycat incidents as reasons for maintaining confidentiality. The complexity and national attention surrounding the case underscore the need for careful handling of the information to ensure public safety and the integrity of the ongoing inquiries.