Prime Minister Carney Attends Vigil for Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victims

Sun Feb 15 2026 01:36:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a heartfelt vigil attended by Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal leaders, the Tumbler Ridge community mourns the tragic loss of eight lives in a recent mass shooting, which included six schoolchildren.

Mark Carney, alongside other federal leaders, joined hundreds in a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, to honor the eight victims of a recent mass shooting, including six children. The gathering aimed to provide support to the grieving community during a time of profound loss.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where hundreds gathered to mourn the eight victims killed in a mass shooting this week.

Carney visited the small town alongside other federal leaders and Canada's Governor-General Mary Simon, in a poignant display of national unity.

Canadians are with you, we will always be with you, Carney expressed during his remarks, remembering the victims, which included six young schoolchildren.

Residents of Tumbler Ridge are still reeling from the tragedy, with many visibly emotional and comforting one another as Carney and the political leaders addressed the gathered crowd.

Many residents refrained from speaking with the media, expressing that the sudden influx of reporters was overwhelming for their quiet community.

Prime Minister Carney canceled a planned trip to the Munich Security Conference in light of the shooting, emphasizing the importance of being with the families affected.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre highlighted the political camaraderie at the vigil, stating, There are no Conservatives. There are no Liberals, New Democrats, Greens or Bloc Québécois, just Canadians mourning together.
Carney and other leaders met with families of the victims before laying flowers at a memorial near Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which has grown over the week amid the ongoing grief.

People came from neighboring communities to pay their respects, emphasizing the close-knit bonds within the northern British Columbia towns.

I never thought that it would happen here... It's just devastating, said Colaina Hall, who drove from Fort St John.

Police identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school. The RCMP indicated that they do not believe the shooter targeted anyone specifically.

As investigations continue, the school remains closed, with authorities seeking to gather more information about how the firearms were obtained and the shooter's mental health record.

The community continues to mourn as they seek healing in the wake of this harrowing event.