Canada's Prime Minister Attends Vigil in Mourning of Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victims

Fri Mar 13 2026 22:26:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a solemn vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Prime Minister Mark Carney expresses solidarity with grieving families as the community grapples with the aftermath of a tragic mass shooting that claimed nine lives.

Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Tumbler Ridge, BC, where he led a vigil for the victims of a recent mass shooting that resulted in nine deaths, including six children. He was joined by other political leaders, showcasing unity during a time of sorrow. The community, still reeling from the incident, witnessed emotional tributes and calls for healing. The shooting suspect, identified as an 18-year-old local resident, was found dead at the scene, prompting investigations into the event and its implications on gun ownership laws in Canada.

In Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a vigil where hundreds came together to mourn the eight victims killed in a mass shooting earlier this week. Carney, along with other federal leaders and Governor-General Mary Simon, emphasized national unity amid the community’s grief.

Canadians are with you, we will always be with you, Carney reassured the crowd, which included families of the deceased and local residents devastated by the tragedy. Among the victims were six young schoolchildren, which intensified the community's sorrow as residents, visibly tearful, comforted one another.

Local sentiments were echoed by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who stressed that the vigil transcended party lines: We all lead political parties. But today? There are no Conservatives. There are no Liberals, New Democrats, Greens or Bloc Québécois, he noted.

Prior to the vigil, Carney and his fellow leaders engaged with the families of the victims and first responders, laying flowers at a memorial near Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where the shooting unfolded. Many attendees were from nearby towns, underscoring the small-town solidarity and shock from such violence emerging in what they believed was a safe community.

Reports indicate the suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities clarified there appeared to be no specific targets, with the gunman allegedly engaging anyone in proximity. Four firearms were seized in connection with the incident, leading to investigations into the circumstances surrounding their acquisition.

Politicians’ presence in the town, however, was met with mixed feelings, as many locals expressed being overwhelmed by media coverage and the intense scrutiny following the shooting. The community, known for its close-knit relationships, is facing a profound sense of loss and is yearning for healing as it processes the aftermath of this devastating event.

As police investigate further, they face questions regarding how the weapons were obtained by the shooter, particularly as they noted the suspect had a history of mental health issues and had previously undergone psychiatric evaluation. This shooting tragedy raises urgent discussions about gun laws and safety within Canada, prompting many to question the efficacy of current regulations.