Newly unsealed documents obtained by CBC News and a group of media organizations have unveiled fresh information on the RCMP’s handling and inquiry into the mass shooting that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in February 2026. These documents, which consist of search warrants, production orders, and sealing orders, offer insight into the intricate investigation, shedding light on law enforcement’s perspective on the tragic events at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
While a substantial portion of the documents remains redacted, crucial details such as the timeline of the response, particularly the duration it took for officers to enter the school following reports of gunfire, are among the withheld information. According to the unredacted sections, on February 10, 2026, the RCMP swiftly responded to an active shooter situation at the high school in Tumbler Ridge, discovering six deceased individuals amidst a scene scattered with spent shell casings. The individual responsible for the shooting was identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found deceased within the school from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Search warrants filed by the RCMP delineate the physical and electronic evidence uncovered during the investigative process to reconstruct the sequence of events that transpired on that tragic day. Additionally, a sealing order filed early in March expressed concerns about the potential risks to public safety and future inquiries should investigative records be disclosed prematurely.
The devastating mass shooting, one of Canada’s worst, deeply impacted the close-knit community of Tumbler Ridge, prompting a coroner’s inquest to delve into the interplay of mental health, firearm accessibility, and artificial intelligence in the tragic incident. Throughout the documents, Van Rootselaar is referred to by various identifiers, including her last name, full name, “Jesse,” and “the shooter.”
Detailed accounts in a production and sealing order sworn by Constable Jonathan Paquin of the RCMP North District Major Crime Unit on March 6 reveal a series of frantic 911 calls received on the morning of the incident. The information communicated to the RCMP included reports of an erratic driver leaving Jesse’s residence, later identified as driving a green 2023 Hyundai Palisade to the school. Subsequent calls reported disturbing scenes within the school, prompting law enforcement to respond promptly.
The documents also outline the meticulous response by law enforcement officers as they arrived at the scene, engaged with the unfolding situation, and ultimately discovered the deceased victims and the shooter within the school premises. Despite redactions affecting the timeline details, efforts are underway to advocate for the public release of certain redacted information.
Moreover, discrepancies regarding a potential second shooter arose due to the shooter using multiple aliases, causing initial confusion among investigators. The documents also touch on the firearms involved in the incident, detailing a search warrant outlining the sought evidence, including firearms, ammunition, biological substances, and electronic devices linked to Van Rootselaar.
Electronic records related to Van Rootselaar, including her interactions with law enforcement and social media accounts, are heavily redacted in the documents, with mentions of OpenAI’s detection of ChatGPT accounts linked to the shooter. The documents further reveal concerns over prematurely disclosing sensitive information, citing potential risks to ongoing investigations and public safety.
Constable Paquin emphasized the significance of preserving the integrity of the investigation and potential future inquiries, highlighting the potential influence of prematurely disclosed information on the conduct of the coroner’s inquest and public perception. The complexity and national attention surrounding the case underscore the need for a cautious approach to information disclosure to mitigate any adverse impacts on the ongoing investigations and ensure public safety.