Tumbler Ridge shootings see flags lowered in London and tough conversations with kids

As people across the country continue to ask why, grief and sadness for the families of victims of Tumbler Ridge, B.C. are being expressed here in the London region.

Flags were lowered to half-mast at city hall Wednesday to mark what is one of the worst mass killings in Canadian history.

Police say eight people were killed and 27 more were injured after suspect Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, opened fire inside the high school on Tuesday. The RCMP said she killed her mother and stepbrother at home earlier in the day.

“Londoners’ hearts are grieving alongside the victims, families, friends and community who have lost loved ones and had their lives changed forever by this unimaginable tragedy,” London Mayor Josh Morgan wrote in a statement.

“On behalf of the City of London, we stand in solidarity, support and compassion with Tumbler Ridge. Flags will be flown at half-mast until sunset on January 17, 2026 in honour of those impacted.”

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, politicians around the world condemned the attack and offered condolences to those grieving.

Southwestern Ontario politicians added their voice with MPs of all politican stripes posting statements of solidarity on their social media pages, including Liberals Peter Fragiskatos and Arielle Kayabaga, and Conservatives Arpan Khanna, Kurt Holman and Andrew Lawton.

Local experts told CBC News that parents concerned over how to speak with their children about the shooting can follow a few rules of thumb.

“From an adult perspective, I’d say it’s important to start from where your child is at,” Katreena Scott, academic director for the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at Western University, said.

Scott believes it’s important for parents to understand what questions and concerns their children have, something that can only come from being open and honest.

“Reassure them that it’s an adult’s job to keep kids safe – that their school and teachers are doing their job, and that they keep kids safe in Canada,” Scott said. “School shootings are rare events in Canada. Very seldom has this happened.”

Students inside the Tumbler Ridge high school described hiding and locking themselves inside classrooms, including using tables to barricade the doors.

A spokesperson for the Thames Valley District School Board assured parents that staff members are trained for emergencies, and emergency drills are done with the students.

“School staff receive extensive professional learning to ensure they are aware of all TVDSB emergency procedures, including their personal role in the school's emergency and crisis response plan,” a statement from TVDSB said.