Canadian Political Rivals Unite in Poignant Vigil for Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victims
In a rare display of national unity, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre joined hands during a solemn vigil on Friday, paying tribute to the victims of one of the worst mass shootings in the country's history. The emotional gathering took place in the devastated British Columbia town of Tumbler Ridge, where ten people lost their lives in a horrific attack that has shocked the nation.
A Moment of Shared Grief
The two political leaders stood together as an Indigenous leader sang a prayer outside the town hall, their hands clasped in a powerful symbol of solidarity. Both Carney and Poilievre addressed the crowd of hundreds who had gathered to mourn, many holding photographs of loved ones lost in the tragedy.
Prime Minister Carney named each of the six victims killed at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School during his remarks, and notably extended his condolences to include the mother and brother of the shooter, stating they too "deserve to be mourned." The prime minister spoke of sitting with community members who are "living through something no one should ever have to endure."
"When you wake up tomorrow, and the world feels impossible, know that millions of Canadians are with you," Carney told the grieving community. "When the cameras leave and the quiet sets in—know that we will still be here."
Details of the Tragedy Emerge
Authorities have revealed that the alleged shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, began her rampage on Tuesday by killing her 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, in their family home. She then proceeded to the nearby Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she opened fire, killing five children and an educator before taking her own life.
The school victims have been identified as 12-year-olds Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, and Ticaria Lampert, along with 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield and 39-year-old assistant teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand. Two additional victims remain hospitalized in Vancouver: 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who suffered wounds to her head and neck, and 19-year-old Paige Hoekstra, who also sustained bullet wounds.
Police Describe Chaotic Scene
Dwayne McDonald, deputy commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, provided chilling details about the attack during a briefing on Friday. He described the suspect as "hunting" rather than targeting specific individuals, stating she was "prepared and engaging anybody and everybody they could come in contact with."
McDonald recounted the chaotic scene that greeted police officers upon arrival at the school, with fire alarms sounding and someone yelling from a window that the suspect was upstairs. "They entered the school, proceeded to go up the stairwell, and were met with gunfire," he explained. "It was a matter of seconds after that there was more gunfire, not as we know now, having reviewed video, directed at any persons. Then the suspect took their life."
Authorities confirmed that four guns were seized—two from the family home and two from the school. McDonald noted that from the moment police encountered the suspect, there were no further injuries to students at the school.
Political Response and Community Support
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre commended Carney for his "tremendous grace" during the difficult time, with Canada's political leaders having flown together from Ottawa to attend the vigil. British Columbia Premier David Eby made a significant promise to the affected students, stating they would never have to return to the building if they didn't want to.
"I will promise that not one of you will ever be forced to go back to that school," Eby declared. "We will provide a safe place for you to go back to school."
Prime Minister Carney praised the community's resilience, noting that Tumbler Ridge has "always been defined by people caring for each other." He highlighted the heroic actions of first responders who arrived at the school within two minutes and teachers who shielded their students during the attack.
Context and National Implications
This tragedy represents Canada's deadliest mass shooting since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that claimed another nine lives. School shootings remain rare in Canada, which maintains strict gun-control laws. The government has historically responded to previous mass shootings with enhanced gun-control measures, including a recently broadened ban on all firearms classified as assault weapons.
The attack has reignited national conversations about gun violence and mental health support systems, even as the country comes together to mourn the devastating loss in Tumbler Ridge. The image of political rivals joining hands in shared grief serves as a powerful reminder of human solidarity in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
