RCMP says they’re identifying trans school massacre suspect Jesse Van Rootselaar by his gender of choice

During a Wednesday briefing, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald was pressed on why police had not clearly stated that the suspect identified as transgender, despite widespread reports from residents who knew the individual.

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“And we've heard people from Tumbler Ridge, actually, people that know the shooter, and they are all saying that this person is transgender,” a reporter said. “Why is the RCMP not speaking to this? Why are we hiding this from the public?”

“We're not hiding it,” McDonald replied. “We identify the suspect as they chose to be identified in public and in social media.”

Police have identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar. McDonald previously stated the suspect “was born as a biological male,” but the RCMP has avoided directly describing the individual as transgender in formal statements.

The reporter asked whether there may be a broader trend involving transgender-identifying individuals and mass shootings: “Unfortunately, we've heard a lot of transgender and mass shootings. Do you think there's a correlation here?”

“It's too early to say whether that has any correlation in this investigation,” McDonald responded.

The exchange comes as investigators continue reviewing the attack that began at a private residence before moving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Two victims were found dead at the home after a family member alerted neighbors, who then contacted police. Additional victims were located inside the school, including in a hallway and the library.

Most of the victims were born in 2012 and 2013, authorities said. Because of their age, identities will only be released with family consent.

Among the deceased are Jennifer Strang, the suspect’s mother, and a sibling, Emmett. One female victim who was initially reported dead during transport remains alive but in serious condition.