18-Year-Old Jesse Strang Identified as Transgender School Shooter in Canada, Eight Lives Lost

The individual responsible for the tragic events in British Columbia has been identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, also known as Jesse Strang, by local police authorities.

This dreadful shooting, marking one of the most devastating incidents in Canadian history, started on Tuesday at a home in the quiet rural area of Tumbler Ridge and ended at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Jesse Van Rootselaar was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the school premises, having fatally shot five students and a 39-year- old teacher.

The attack occurred in the school library where the shooter targeted three girls, all aged 12, along with two boys aged 12 and 13.

In addition to the students, Jesse also claimed the lives of his 39-year-old mother, Jennifer, and his 11-year-old step-sibling, Emmett.

A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) indicated that they believe Jesse acted alone during the incident.

The RCMP further revealed that Jesse had been identifying as female for the past six years, starting this transition at the age of 12. It was noted that there had been several earlier interventions at his home due to concerns regarding his mental health.

The individual ceased attending school four years ago at the age of just 14, according to the spokesperson.

In the aftermath of the shooting, a total of 25 individuals have been reported injured. One victim, 12-year-old Maya Gebala, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds to her neck and head. She is the only victim who has been publicly named so far.

Deputy Commissioner McDonald confirmed that Van Rootselaar identified as female but was assigned male at birth.

During a press briefing, Deputy Commissioner McDonald stated that law enforcement had engaged with Jesse within the past year.

When questioned about the suspect’s gun ownership, McDonald informed the media that it was believed she had an expired gun license, effective until 2024, but noted that no firearms were registered in her name.