Transgender ex-student identified as alleged suspect in Canada school mass shooting that left at least 9 dead

At least nine were killed in connection with a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on Tuesday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said, adding the suspect was also found dead.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

Authorities said Van Rootselaar had attended the school before dropping out roughly four years ago. Van Rootselaar, who identified as female but was assigned male at birth, began transitioning six years ago.  She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

Van Rootselaar reportedly had a history of mental health–related contact with police and may have had access to weapons stored at home. Police said officials visited the residence multiple times in recent years for mental health calls, during which weapons were briefly seized under the Criminal Code but later returned following a petition by the lawful owner.