‘Canadians are with you,’ says PM at Tumbler Ridge Vigil
10 hours ago
Nadine Yousif, Senior Canada Reporter, Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a poignant vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where hundreds came together to mourn the eight victims of a tragic mass shooting earlier this week. He was joined by federal leaders from various political parties and Canada’s Governor-General Mary Simon, emphasizing a united national front in the face of grief.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Message of Support
– Canadians are with you; we will always be with you, Carney assured the crowd during his heartfelt address, honoring the victims, including six young children.
– The community remains deeply shaken by the attack. Many attendees were seen in tears, offering comfort to one another as they gathered to share in their sorrow.
– Local residents expressed discomfort with the media presence, highlighting their quiet town’s tragic shift into the spotlight.
In an act of solidarity, Carney canceled his plans to attend the Munich Security Conference to support the community during this difficult time. He invited other federal leaders to join him on the flight to Tumbler Ridge, emphasizing the collective leadership in times of tragedy. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre remarked, Today, there are no Conservatives, no Liberals, no New Democrats, Greens, or Bloc Québécois—only Canadians.
Connecting with the Victims’ Families
Before the vigil, Carney and other political figures met with the victims’ families and first responders. They laid flowers at a memorial outside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which has grown increasingly poignant throughout the week.
– Colaina Hall, a local resident who traveled two hours from Fort St. John for the vigil, commented, I never thought this could happen here. In our tight-knit northern communities, we take care of one another.
– She added, It is just devastating.
Understanding the Tragedy
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who also resided in the community. According to the police, Van Rootselaar was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school. Authorities stated they do not believe the suspect had specific targets in mind during the attack.
– RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald explained that the suspect seemed to be hunting, drawing attention to the need for clarity surrounding the event.
– Law enforcement recovered four firearms linked to the shooting, two from the suspect’s home and two from the school itself. Investigations are ongoing concerning how these weapons were acquired.
Further information revealed that while Van Rootselaar had a firearm license valid until 2024, there were no firearms registered under this license. Police are also investigating the origins of the firearms used in the attack, particularly the one responsible for significant harm.
The Victims of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting
In total, nine individuals, including the suspected shooter, lost their lives in the tragedy. Among those killed were:
– Five children and one teacher at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School
– Two family members of the suspected shooter
The identified victims include:
– 12-year-olds Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, and Ticaria Lampert
– 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield
– 39-year-old Shannda Aviugana-Durand
Benoit’s family described her as “resilient, vibrant, smart, caring, and the strongest little girl you could meet.” They expressed their heartbreak, stating, We will cherish her memories forever.
Sarah Lampert, mother of victim Ticaria Lampert, shared her daughter was a blazing light in the darkness, highlighting the profound impact the young girl had on those around her.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
As Tumbler Ridge navigates this emotional landscape, it is evident that “Canadians are with you.” The outpouring of support and shared grief illustrates the strength of unity in times of tragedy. As investigations continue and the community begins to heal, the message remains clear: no one in this tight-knit community stands alone.