TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia – Hundreds gathered in the small northern town of Tumbler Ridge on Friday to mourn the eight victims of this week’s devastating mass shooting, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other federal leaders attended a vigil in a show of national unity.
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Carney addressed the grieving community, saying, “Canadians are with you, we will always be with you,” as residents struggled with the loss of six young schoolchildren and two adults, including a teacher and a family member of the suspected shooter. Families and local residents, many from surrounding towns, attended the vigil, laying flowers and remembering the victims.
In Canada, The Prime Minister and other federal party leaders paused politics to honour lives lost in Tumbler Ridge.
In Nigeria, over 200 people were killed in Kwara…
and leaders were busy attending a wedding.One system mourns with its people.
The other moves on without them.… pic.twitter.com/IfObZLRMVQ— Don-Love🇳🇬🇨🇦 (@DonLove07) February 14, 2026
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre joined Carney, emphasizing that political differences were set aside for the day: “There are no Conservatives. There are no Liberals, New Democrats, Greens or Bloc Québécois.” Ahead of the vigil, leaders met with families and first responders, honoring their courage during the crisis.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said the suspected shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed his mother, stepbrother, and five schoolchildren before taking his own life. Authorities seized four firearms in total, two from the family home and two from the school. Investigators continue to determine how the weapons were obtained, noting that the suspect had a history of mental health struggles and had previously been admitted for psychiatric evaluation.
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The RCMP stressed that the shooting was not targeted at specific individuals, describing the suspect as “hunting” at the school. Meanwhile, the school remains closed while the investigation continues.
Communities across British Columbia are rallying around Tumbler Ridge as they cope with the tragedy, honoring the victims’ memories and supporting families affected by the unprecedented loss.