PM Carney Speaks at Tumbler Ridge Vigil for Mass Shooting Victims

Sun Feb 15 2026 00:44:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a poignant vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed solidarity with the community mourning the loss of eight victims from a recent mass shooting. The gathering included families, local residents, and political leaders from multiple parties, showcasing a rare moment of unity in the face of tragedy.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with federal leaders and Governor-General Mary Simon, attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge for the victims of a recent mass shooting that left eight dead, including children. Carney's heartfelt address emphasized national unity and support for the grieving community as it deals with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where hundreds gathered to mourn the eight victims of a mass shooting that occurred earlier this week. The attack resulted in the deaths of six schoolchildren among the total casualties.

Carney was accompanied by leaders from various political parties and Canada’s Governor-General Mary Simon, highlighting a sense of national unity during this time of grief. In his speech, he reassured the audience saying, Canadians are with you, we will always be with you, bringing comfort to a community in anguish.

Residents showed visible signs of sorrow, some crying as they comforted one another while listening to the tribute to the victims. Many attendees found it overwhelming to have media presence in their small town, indicating the emotional toll the tragedy had taken on the close-knit community.

In light of the incident, Carney canceled his scheduled trip to the Munich Security Conference, inviting fellow federal leaders to join him in Tumbler Ridge. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre remarked on the unifying sentiment, stating, There are no Conservatives. There are no Liberals, New Democrats, Greens or Bloc Québécois; today we are all here for the same reason.

Prior to the vigil, political leaders met with families of the victims and first responders, laying flowers at a memorial that has rapidly grown at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The despair and disbelief over the shooting were expressed by community members who shared their shock that such violence pierced their peaceful area.

Police confirmed that the suspect in the shooting, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, died by suicide shortly after committing the act. Investigations indicate that the attack was indiscriminate, with individuals being targeted at random. In total, nine individuals lost their lives due to the shooting, sparking an urgent conversation on gun ownership and mental health support within the community and beyond.