Documents recently uncovered by CBC News and a group of media organizations shed light on the RCMP’s response and investigation into the tragic mass shooting that took place in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. in February 2026. The unsealed documents, including search warrants and sealing orders, offer insights into the intricate investigative process, providing a detailed account of law enforcement’s actions on the day of the incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
While the newly revealed files from the RCMP offer a glimpse into the frontline officers’ experiences during the event, key details, such as crucial timestamps, remain redacted, leaving gaps in the timeline of events, including the response time of officers entering the school after reports of gunfire.
According to the documents, on February 10, 2026, the RCMP received reports of an active shooter at the high school in Tumbler Ridge, where six individuals were found deceased amid spent shell casings. The identified shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was discovered dead in the school from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The search warrants filed by the RCMP outline the physical and electronic evidence collected as authorities sought to reconstruct the events of that fateful day. Additionally, a sealing order issued in early March expressed concerns about the potential implications of releasing records related to the investigation on future public inquiries and public safety.
The tragic incident, described as one of the most devastating in Canadian history, has prompted a coroner’s inquest to examine the role of mental health, access to firearms, and artificial intelligence in the tragedy. Throughout the documents, various references are made to Van Rootselaar using different identifiers, including her last name, full name, “Jesse,” and “the shooter.”
A production and sealing order sworn by Constable Jonathan Paquin from the RCMP North District Major Crime Unit on March 6 details a series of distressing 911 calls received as the events unfolded in Tumbler Ridge. The calls reported an erratic driver, leading to the discovery of disturbing scenes at the school.
The documents also mention a possible second shooter, initially causing confusion due to the shooter’s use of multiple aliases. Detailed accounts of firearms and other physical evidence discovered at Van Rootselaar’s residence, as well as electronic records related to the investigation, are also outlined in the unsealed documents.
The investigation extends to social media accounts and other electronic communications associated with Van Rootselaar, highlighting concerns raised by law enforcement regarding potential risks of premature disclosure of sensitive information. The documents underline the complexity of the investigation and the challenges in balancing transparency with investigative integrity and public safety.