B.C.’s chief coroner has announced an inquest into the horrific mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge that left nine people dead last month.
Dr. Jatinder Baidwan said the coroner’s inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and make evidence-based recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
“A key area of examination will be how individuals in crisis are identified and supported, including access to mental health supports and services in rural and remote and small communities across British Columbia,” Baidwan said.
B.C. Premier David Eby has said that his government will use “any tools available” to make sure all questions about the mass shooting are answered.
Jesse Van Rootselaar shot dead her mother and 11-year-old half-brother at their home, before killing five pupils, a teacher’s aide and then herself, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Feb. 10.
Federal Conservative MPs have been among those calling for an independent investigation.
Bob Zimmer, whose riding includes Tumbler Ridge in northeastern B.C., said over the weekend that mourning families need answers about the shooter’s mental health and access to guns, as well as the role of artificial intelligence and the protection of the victims’ families.
Van Rootselaar’s ChatGPT account was flagged internally for worrisome content and it was shut down by OpenAI last June, but the company did not notify police at the time.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2026.