TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia — The estranged father of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old who shot and killed eight people, including six children, is openly distancing himself from his son in the wake of the tragic event. Justin Van Rootselaar issued a statement expressing his sorrow for the victims and their families, while maintaining that he was not involved in his son’s life.
In a statement provided to local media, Justin Van Rootselaar emphasized his separation from his son, who had been raised primarily by his mother, Jennifer Strang, and had never adopted his father’s surname. “I was estranged from Jesse and was not part of his life,” he said, underscoring the emotional gap between them. He shared that Jennifer denied him the chance to participate in their child’s upbringing.
The horrific incident occurred when Jesse shot his mother and 11-year-old step-brother at their home, subsequently traveling to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where he opened fire, killing five students and a teacher before taking his own life. Authorities later recovered a modified handgun and a long gun at the scene.
Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was reportedly transitioning in recent years, had previously been open about his gender identity online. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald noted that Jesse was “born a biological male” and had begun transitioning six years ago. McDonald also revealed that police had visited the family home multiple times due to concerns about Jesse’s mental health, leading to his temporary detention under the Canadian Mental Health Act.
In light of the tragedy, Justin Van Rootselaar expressed his deep remorse for the pain inflicted on the community. “This is a time for compassion, for holding one another close, and for supporting the families who are grieving such unimaginable loss,” he stated. He requested that the public respects the family’s grief and indicated they would not provide additional statements.
The shooting has left the small community of Tumbler Ridge in shock, grappling with the aftermath of the violence. Community members are remembering the lives lost, including the victims—students aged 11 to 13, as well as the teacher—while attempting to comprehend how such a tragedy could occur.
Authorities have not only focused on the immediate implications of the shooting but are also evaluating the circumstances surrounding Jesse’s mental health issues. The prolonged struggles that he faced reflect a growing concern over mental health care accessibility and the challenges that families encounter in seeking support.
As the community mourns, discussions surrounding gun violence, mental health, and the roles of families in times of crisis are likely to become focal points in the aftermath of this devastating event.