An 18-year-old has been identified as the suspect in a mass shooting that left eight people dead and dozens injured in British Columbia, Canada.
Police said Jesse Van Rootselaar was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities confirmed that there are no other suspects believed to be involved in the attacks. The motive for the shootings remains under investigation.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the violence began at a residence near Tumbler Ridge before moving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Two people, identified as the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother, were found dead at the home.
The suspect then proceeded to the school, where six people were killed and at least 25 others injured. The victims at the school included a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, and two male students aged 12 and 13.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said Van Rootselaar was born biologically male but had identified as a woman in recent years.
“I can say that Jesse was born as a biological male who approximately six years ago began to transition to female,” McDonald told reporters.
Authorities have not disclosed the type of firearm used in the attacks. Investigations are ongoing as the community grapples with the aftermath of one of the deadliest incidents in the province’s recent history.
