Three days following one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history, questions persist about how the shooter, known to have a history of mental illness, obtained the firearms used in the tragic events in two separate locations.
The peaceful town of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., was shattered on Tuesday as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar fatally shot her mother and half-brother at their residence before proceeding to the local high school where she killed six individuals, most of them children, and left two others critically injured. The shooter subsequently took her own life, according to law enforcement officials.
On Friday, the police provided additional details on the firearms used, revealing that they are investigating four weapons in total – two recovered from the school and two from the home. However, the origin of the main firearm used at the school remains unknown.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the RCMP disclosed that the assailant utilized an unregistered shotgun to commit the initial murders at the residence, a firearm that has never been confiscated by law enforcement. Different firearms were then used at the school, added McDonald.
The specific firearm believed to have inflicted the most damage at the school has not been seized before by the RCMP, McDonald noted, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to determine how the suspect acquired that particular weapon.
Initially described as a modified handgun, one of the guns found at the school was later identified on Friday as a modified rifle, with its source still undetermined by the authorities.
The information released by the police regarding the firearms raises concerns about the country’s gun regulations in light of the shooter’s mental health background.
McDonald mentioned that the police had previously taken firearms from the residence under the Criminal Code a couple of years ago, but the lawful owner successfully petitioned for their return. He explained that due to a minor’s involvement at the time, the details of the case are sealed, preventing further disclosure.
Addressing the firearm licensing situation, McDonald stated that the shooter’s mother, Jennifer Strang, possessed a valid possession and acquisition license (PAL) but no firearms were registered under that license. Additionally, the shooter’s firearm license had expired in 2024, and no guns were registered under her name.
Rod Giltaca, executive director of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, called for accountability regarding the return of the firearms, questioning the decision-making process involved.
Canada’s “red flag” laws allow for emergency prohibition orders to be obtained if there are concerns about an individual possessing firearms. A judge can issue an order for the removal of the person’s firearms and license for up to 30 days if deemed necessary for safety reasons.
The ongoing investigation and legal process surrounding the firearms used in the tragic events highlight the complexities of gun control laws and mental health considerations in Canada.
