Newly released documents, uncovered by CBC News and a group of media organizations, shed light on the RCMP’s actions during and after the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in February 2026. These documents, including search warrants and production orders, offer insight into the police response to the tragic event at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
While some parts of the documents remain redacted, key details are now available, outlining how law enforcement officers dealt with the unfolding situation at the school. On February 10, 2026, the RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter at the high school, where they discovered six deceased individuals amid spent shell casings. The shooter was identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside the school.
Various search warrants detail the evidence gathered by the police as they reconstructed the events of that fateful day. Additionally, a sealing order expressed concerns over releasing certain records that could impact future public inquiries and public safety.
911 calls reporting an erratic driver and shots fired triggered a swift police response, marking one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings and prompting a coroner’s inquest to delve into the role of mental health, access to firearms, and artificial intelligence in the tragedy.
The documents reveal the chaos and confusion that ensued during the incident, with officers receiving multiple reports of gunfire at the school. Details about the firearms used in the shooting remain sealed, as does information about Van Rootselaar’s social media accounts and interactions with law enforcement.
A significant portion of the documents focuses on the meticulous investigation following the shooting, including the examination of physical evidence found at Van Rootselaar’s home and the tracing of firearms linked to the incident. The order also highlights the scrutiny of Van Rootselaar’s police records and digital footprint as part of the investigation.
Concerns were raised about unsealing certain documents prematurely, with police emphasizing the potential risks to ongoing investigations and public safety. The documents underscore the gravity of the situation and the meticulous efforts undertaken by law enforcement to understand the tragic events that unfolded in Tumbler Ridge.
Overall, the newly revealed details provide a clearer picture of the RCMP’s response to the Tumbler Ridge school shooting and the complexities involved in investigating such a devastating incident.