Canada Mass Shooting: Media Coverage of ‘Female Shooter’ Sparks Fierce Online Debate

Feb 11, 2026

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TUMBLER RIDGE, BC (THECOUNT) — UPDATE: Officials have identified the deceased suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. According to reports, Rootselaar also went by the name Jesse Strang. Social media erupted after a deadly mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School left 10 people dead on Tuesday, including the suspect, and more than 25 others injured. Dozens of right-leaning commentators and online sleuths immediately questioned mainstream media coverage that described the shooter as female, instead pointing to evidence that the suspect was a transgender male.

According to multiple reports circulating on social media, including posts by conservative commentators, Strang began transitioning at age 15 and was prescribed heavy SSRIs. The debate over how to describe the suspect has ignited discussions about how gender identity is represented in news reporting, particularly in high-profile crimes. Critics argue that referring to the shooter solely as a woman may obscure the facts surrounding the suspect’s biological sex and the context of the incident.

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The shooting occurred shortly before 10 a.m. local time, when Van Rootselaar allegedly entered the school armed and opened fire on students and faculty. Emergency responders quickly secured the building and transported dozens of injured students and staff to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not released full details on the weaponry used, citing an ongoing investigation.

The tragic attack, which left ten people dead — including the suspected shooter — and more than 25 injured, prompted multiple threads on platforms such as X and Telegram asserting that the individual responsible was a 17‑year‑old transgender male. Posts widely circulated a specific name and personal history, claims that have gained traction among conservative commentators and independent observers. These social media posts often referenced the suspect’s supposed transgender status and medical treatment history as part of their commentary.

However, Canadian authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), have not publicly released the name, age, or any personal identifying details of the suspected shooter. In the original emergency alert issued Tuesday afternoon, law enforcement described the individual as a “female in a dress with brown hair” but stopped short of confirming any additional personal information. Officials have reiterated that identifying information will be released only after proper protocols are followed and next of kin have been notified.

Mainstream Canadian outlets such as CBC and CTV News have echoed the RCMP’s stance, reporting on the gender description used in the police alert but refraining from publishing the suspect’s name or unverified personal details. This gap between social media claims and official reporting has become a focal point for conservative audiences, who argue that mainstream media may default to preferred identity language without sufficient verification in fast‑breaking situations.

Online commentators, including well‑known conservative influencers, have pointed to posts and threads identifying the suspect as a transgender male — alleging the individual began transitioning in mid‑adolescence and was prescribed certain medications. These assertions have been amplified by supporters of those commentators, resulting in thousands of shares and discussions about how gender identity is reported and labeled in major news outlets.

Critics of the social media speculation have warned that such claims, when unverified by law enforcement or credible news organizations, risk spreading misinformation. Several Canadian news editors noted that until police provide confirmed details, reports floating specific names or personal medical information remain unsubstantiated. Law enforcement agencies have explicitly urged the public not to circulate unverified personal information that could interfere with the investigation or misidentify individuals not involved in the crime.

Supporters of the online speculation, particularly within right‑leaning circles, argue that the mainstream reliance on ambiguous descriptors — such as “female” based on a brief emergency alert — may overlook nuances in the suspect’s identity. They also contend that cultural and political pressures influence how identity is reported, and that readers deserve transparency when conflicting descriptions emerge.

“There’s a real tension between the official statements from law enforcement and what people are seeing shared online,” said one conservative media analyst in a live video discussion. “Whether or not you agree with the social media claims, the fact that they’re widespread and detailed tells us something about where public discourse is right now.” However, analysts from major newsrooms emphasize that *verified reporting standards* demand restraint until official confirmations are provided.

The RCMP has confirmed the basic facts of the shooting: multiple victims inside the school, additional victims found at a related residence, and the suspected shooter located deceased from what appears to have been a self‑inflicted injury. Authorities have said there is no indication of additional suspects. They continue to investigate the motive and sequence of events that led to the tragedy.

The Tumbler Ridge community remains in mourning, and law enforcement has pledged to release more information as the investigation progresses and appropriate notifications are completed. For now, the debate between social media speculation and mainstream reporting continues, highlighting a broader conversation about identity, verification, and how facts are communicated during high‑profile incidents.

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