World leaders share their condolences for victims of Tumbler Ridge mass shooting
The world is reeling alongside Canada after a horrific school shooting in Tumbler Ridge left nine dead and 27 injured, drawing an outpouring of support from global leaders.
Author: Quinn Patrick
The world is reeling alongside Canada after a horrific school shooting in Tumbler Ridge left nine dead and 27 injured, drawing an outpouring of support from global leaders.
Prime Minister Mark Caney spoke with reporters on Parliament Hill on Wednesday morning.
“Parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love,” he said. “The nation mourns with you. Canada stands by you. I’ve asked that the flags in the Peace Tower here, and across all government buildings be flown at half mast for the next seven days. We will get through this, we will learn from this. But right now, it’s a time to come together as Canadians always do in these situations, these terrible situations. To support each other. To mourn together, and to grow together.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said as a father he couldn’t imagine the phone calls some parents might have received.
“We are all devastated by the news of this appalling shooting in Tumbler Ridge. The fact that this took place at a secondary school makes it even more tragic. As a father I can’t even imagine the phone calls that parents might have received. I can’t imagine the heartache and hell that they are living through at this moment. This is a time for all Canadians to unite and to support the families and community at large,” said Poilievre.
He added that he would be contacting Carney and other politicians to see how they could work together and “offer support” to the Tumbler Ridge community.
Leaders outside of Canada also sent their condolences and support for the victims and their families.
The Royal Family published a statement, saying they were “profoundly shocked” by the “dreadful attack.”
“My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. We can only express our deepest possible sympathy to the families who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their loved ones and those still awaiting news from hospital,” wrote King Charles III.
“In such a closely connected town, every child’s name will be known and every family will be a neighbour. We can only begin to imagine the appalling shadow that has now descended across Tumbler Ridge and our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been so shattered by this senseless act of brutal violence.”
United States Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra also shared a personal prayer in a post to X.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the community of Tumbler Ridge and all of British Columbia today. My personal prayer is that in these difficult times, they find the peace and comfort that only He can provide,” wrote Hoekstra.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that “France stands alongside the Canadian people” while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent his “sincere condolences to all Canadians impacted by this horrific event.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply shocked by the horrendous shooting in Canada.”
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada in this moment of profound grief,” wrote Modi.
The individual alleged to be the shooter in the deadly attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has been identified by a close family member as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Juno News spoke directly with Russell G. Strang, Van Rootselaar’s uncle, who confirmed Jesse was transgender and responsible for the shooting. Strang confirmed he was Jesse’s uncle and Jennifer Strang’s brother.
Jennifer is believed to be one of the two deceased victims found by the RCMP at a residence suspected of being connected to the incident.