In one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history, an 18-year-old man stormed into a school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, killing up to 10 and injuring more than two dozen others. Canadian media identified the suspect as Jesse Strang. Jess Strang reportedly died at Tumbler Ridge High School from a self-inflicted injury.
Juno News reported that the suspect was identified by one of his close family members. Her uncle, Russell G Strang, confirmed the suspect’s name. It should be noted that the identity of the suspect has not been officially revealed. However, police confirmed that the suspect died at the scene.
Preliminary information from the first emergency call indicated that the shooter may have been “a woman in a dress with brown hair”.
According to media reports, a YouTube account allegedly associated with Jesse Strange featured a transgender pride flag. She also listed the pronouns “she/her” in her profile. Social media users quickly jumped on the profile of the suspected accused.
As the name of the suspect circulated, some users shared several pictures of Jesse Strang on X, some of them showing him with guns. One showed her to the shooting range.
Canada school shooting: What we know so far
Tumbler Ridge Middle School, where the shooting took place, has 175 students in grades seven through 12, according to local government.
As the shooter was reported at the school, some footage showed students being escorted out of the school by armed officers.
When police entered the school, they found at least six dead. They also found the suspected gunman dead from what was believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Also read | Canada-US Gordie Howe Bridge dispute: Carney says Trump dispute will be resolved
One victim died on the way to the hospital and two were airlifted with serious or life-threatening injuries. About 25 others were treated for injuries at a nearby medical center, an AFP report said.
Police found two bodies at a second location, which they said was a home linked to the school attack.
Speaking in Parliament, an emotional Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “Parents, grandparents, sisters and brothers in Tumbler Ridge wake up without someone they love. The nation mourns with you and Canada stands with you.”
He also declared that flags on government buildings across the country would be flown at half-mast for seven days.