Newly revealed documents obtained by CBC News and a group of media outlets shed light on the RCMP’s response to the tragic mass shooting that took place in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in February 2026.
These unsealed documents, which include search warrants and sealing orders, provide insight into the extensive investigation carried out by law enforcement following the incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. They offer a detailed account of the events that unfolded on the day of the shooting, capturing the experiences of front-line officers.
Although many parts of the documents remain redacted, crucial information such as the time it took for officers to enter the school after reports of gunfire are missing. The records indicate that on February 10, 2026, the RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter at the high school, where they discovered six deceased victims and identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside the school.
Search warrants filed by the RCMP outline the evidence, both physical and electronic, collected as authorities worked to reconstruct the events of that fateful day. Additionally, a sealing order expressed concerns about the potential impact of releasing certain records related to the investigation on future public inquiries and public safety.
The tragic incident, considered one of Canada’s worst mass shootings, deeply affected the community of Tumbler Ridge and prompted a coroner’s inquest to investigate the role of mental health, access to firearms, and artificial intelligence in the tragedy.
The documents also mention various 911 calls reporting an erratic driver and shots fired, highlighting the chaotic nature of the situation. The production and sealing orders sworn by Const. Jonathan Paquin detail the influx of emergency calls received on the morning of the shooting.
The documents further discuss the presence of firearms and other physical evidence found at Van Rootselaar’s residence, including electronic devices like cell phones and computers. The investigation also involved tracing firearms recovered from the school and another undisclosed location.
Moreover, details regarding Van Rootselaar’s interactions with law enforcement, including her presence in police databases dating back to her childhood, were revealed. Information about her social media accounts and online activities, including connections to artificial intelligence platforms like OpenAI, was also mentioned in the documents.
An application to seal certain information filed by Paquin emphasized concerns about compromising ongoing investigations and the potential impact of disclosing sensitive details on public safety. The document highlighted the complexity of the investigation and the need to safeguard information that could influence future legal proceedings.
Overall, the unsealed documents provide a glimpse into the extensive police response and investigative efforts following the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.