Jesse Strang (Jesse Van Rootselaar), an 18-year-old transwoman, is the suspected gunman in a mass shooting Tuesday, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, which reportedly left 10 people dead and over 25 injured.
Following the attack which occurred at about 1:20 p.m. local time in Tumbler Ridge, a remote town of about 2,400 residents in northern British Columbia, six victims were found dead inside the school, one died en route to the hospital, and two additional bodies were reportedly discovered at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the shooter—identified as Jennifer Strang (mother) and a younger brother.
The Tumbler Ridge Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the school at 1:20 p.m. local time Tuesday. While searching the school, officers found six victims dead from gunshot wounds and a person believed to be the suspect dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Two victims were airlifted to a hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, police said, and a third victim died while being transported to the hospital.
During the investigation, police identified a secondary location believed to be connected to the incident, where two additional victims were found dead inside a residence.
The suspect Strang, was confirmed by his uncle, Russell G. Strang, to be transgender and had begun identifying as a woman around 2023. His online profiles, including a YouTube account, used "she/her" pronouns and featured a transgender pride flag alongside an SKS rifle.
Police initially described the suspect as a “female in a dress with brown hair” in an active shooter alert, later referring to the deceased suspect as a *gunperson”—a term that drew public attention and criticisms.
"This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response," Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander, said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation."
All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated from the school, police said.
Authorities confirmed the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not officially released the suspect’s identity, citing respect for victims’ families and ongoing investigation.
Strang’s YouTube channel, originally named “jesseboy347 strang,” was later renamed “JessJessUwU” and included anime-style avatars, the transgender flag, and references to firearms and hunting.
The incident marks Canada’s deadliest school shooting in nearly 40 years and one of its most severe mass casualty events, surpassing the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, where 14 women were killed.
The Canadian government responded with condolences: Prime Minister Mark Carney postponed a major international trip, and British Columbia Premier David Eby called the event “deeply distressing,” urging the community to support one another.
"My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens. Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other," PM Carney wrote on X.
While no official motive has been released, the case has reignited debate over the left's normalization and promotion of transgenderism, unreliable treatments and chemical castration of minors.
