Reaction continues to pour in following yesterday’s (Tuesday) mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge that claimed the lives of nine people including the shooter.
Earlier today (Wednesday), the RCMP have identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer told Vista Radio the tragedy hits close to home as he is a father of four himself.
“I can’t imagine as a father of four, parents that expected their kids to walk through the door at the end of the school day and now they are not going to walk through the door anymore. We have to mourn those who have lost loved ones and even been close to some of those loved ones that have been lost.”
Zimmer believes the community can bounce back from this, but it will take some time.
“It’s going to take some time to mourn and I know that Tumbler Ridge is a resilient town and it’s gone through ups and downs but nothing like this. The people that I know in Tumbler Ridge are great people and its going to be a strong community even after this event.”
Dawson Creek Mayor, Darcy Dober stated on a Facebook Live video now is the time to lift up our neighbours during this time of crisis.
“We stand together in sorrow and support in solidarity. Dawson Creek is here to provide any resources and assistance needed and we will continue to work closely with the community and local authorities as the situation unfolds.”
“Today, we sit in silence grieving for our neighbours in holding space for their friends, families and all of those that have been affected.”
Premier David Eby and Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, will travel to Tumbler Ridge to meet with people impacted by yesterday’s tragedy,
They are travelling with federal ministers Gary Anandasangaree and Gregor Robinson.
The planned Throne Speech that was scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) has been cancelled. BC will have a Day of Mourning instead.
At noon, the legislative assembly will stand for a moment of silence in honour of the victims in Tumbler Ridge, their families and the entire community. The house will then adjourn.
Two hours later, the lieutenant governor will deliver a speech in the house dedicated to the people of Tumbler Ridge, followed by brief legally required procedures.
– Files from Brendan Pawliw, My Prince George Now staff
