The 18-year-old transgender high school dropout accused of killing his mother and stepbrother before opening fire at his former school in Canada had previously posted online about transitioning, hormone therapy, and dissatisfaction with his body, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, was identified by authorities as the suspect in Tuesday’s attack in the mountain community of Tumbler Ridge, Canada.
Investigators said the violence began at a private residence, where Van Rootselaar allegedly killed his 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Strang, and his 11-year-old stepbrother.
Jesse Van Rootselaar aired his grievances about transitioning as well as his obsession with guns in a series of online posts. pic.twitter.com/rQhlSOAGwK [2]
— Rogue Soldiers (@RogueWarrior47) February 12, 2026 [3]
Police said he then went to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six additional people were killed. Authorities later found Van Rootselaar dead from what they described as an apparent self-inflicted wound following the shooting.
In the years leading up to the attack, Van Rootselaar posted on online forums about his transition and concerns about his physical appearance, according to reporting by the Telegraph.
In a since-deleted post on a trans-community forum, Van Rootselaar wrote, “Do I have a good build type for HRT [hormone replacement therapy]?”
“Any advice is appreciated, should I put on weight or anything? Work out?” he added.
In a separate post from March 2020, Van Rootselaar, who described himself as “MtF” — male-to-female — wrote, “I’m pre-HRT 15yo, I’m super skinny, so that sometimes makes me feel kinda good!”
“But I’m Pre-HRT and my expectations are minimal for chest growth, and I’m 6ft tall! Why can’t I be petit an [sic] smol [small]?”
The online posts surfaced after Canadian police stated it was too early to determine whether there was any link between Van Rootselaar identifying as transgender and the mass shooting.
This is Jesse Van Rootselaar – The 18 Year Old Trans Shooter who murdered at least 10 people at Tumbler Ridge School yesterday in Canada.
Instead of dealing with his obvious mental health issues – Canadian health authorities convinced Jesse he was Trans & pumped him full of… pic.twitter.com/sv5WhD5x9l [4]
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) February 12, 2026 [5]
Authorities said Van Rootselaar had begun transitioning roughly six years ago. They also confirmed that police had previously visited his home multiple times over the years due to concerns about his mental health.
Investigators are continuing to examine a motive for the attack.
According to officials, the incident began inside the family home before unfolding at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Law enforcement has not released the names of the six victims killed at the school.
The small community of Tumbler Ridge, located in northeastern British Columbia, has been shaken by the violence. Police have not disclosed additional details about how the suspect carried out the shooting or what weapons were used.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities review digital evidence, including online activity, and continue interviewing witnesses.
Canadian law enforcement emphasized that they are still working to determine what factors led to the attack and have not drawn conclusions regarding any specific motive.