Canada grapples with motive after teen shooter’s online footprint revealed
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia – Canada is reeling after a tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, left nine people dead, including the shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18. The incident, one of the deadliest in Canadian history since the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, has prompted a national conversation about mental health, access to firearms, and the influence of online extremism.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10th, discovering the bodies of five students, one teacher, the suspect’s mother, and his 11-year-old stepbrother. Van Rootselaar died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation quickly turned to understanding the motive behind the attack, and a disturbing picture of the shooter’s online activity has begun to emerge. Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, confirmed it removed Van Rootselaar’s account and any associated content after learning of his connection to the shooting. The company stated the game, a simulation of a mall shooting, had received only seven visits before its removal, but screenshots circulating online show a blocky, cartoon-style depiction of a shooter targeting individuals in a mall setting resembling a real Canadian location.
“We have removed the user account connected to this horrifying incident as well as any content associated with the suspect,” a Roblox spokesperson said in a statement released Thursday.
The discovery of the game wasn’t made by law enforcement, but by users on the online forum Kiwi Farms, known for its controversial and often harassing content. The incident highlights the challenges platforms face in monitoring and removing harmful content, even with limited engagement.
Further investigation revealed a more extensive digital trail. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) initially described the suspect as a “gunperson in a dress” and an “18-year-old female,” drawing criticism for misgendering the shooter. It wasn’t until pressed by reporters that an RCMP spokesperson clarified that “Jesse was born as a biological male.” This initial misidentification sparked debate about respectful reporting and the importance of accurate representation, particularly in sensitive cases involving gender identity.
Beyond Roblox, analysis by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Center on Extremism revealed Van Rootselaar’s alleged presence on WatchPeopleDie, a graphic website notorious for sharing images of violent death and glorifying mass shooters. According to the ADL, an account linked to Van Rootselaar commented on videos of previous mass shootings, stating, “I love these first person perspective type videos, when the shooter records his or her own actions it’s always heat.”
Tweet from Allen Hampton highlights the Roblox game and its disturbing similarities to a real Canadian mall.
On Reddit, posts allegedly from Van Rootselaar detailed struggles with suicidal thoughts, his gender transition, and mental health challenges. A February 2023 post described setting a fire at home while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms and mentioned recent hospitalizations for psychiatric care and a diagnosis of being on the autism spectrum. Police confirmed they had responded to multiple mental health-related calls at the family’s residence.
Van Rootselaar held a minor’s firearms license that expired in 2024, raising questions about the effectiveness of Canada’s gun control measures. Canada already has stricter gun laws than the United States, but the incident has reignited calls for further restrictions, particularly regarding access to firearms for individuals with documented mental health concerns.
The tragedy underscores the complex interplay between mental health, online radicalization, and access to weapons. The Canadian government has pledged to review its mental health support systems and gun control policies in the wake of the shooting. According to Statistics Canada, suicide remains a leading cause of death for young people in the country, highlighting the urgent need for increased mental health resources and early intervention programs. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and the potential for online spaces to amplify harmful ideologies.
