Jesse Strang identified as shooter in Tumbler Ridge, BC school attack after killing 10, including family members and students

The individual responsible for the deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has been identified by a close family member as Jesse Strang, according to information obtained by Juno News.

Jesse Strang, who was transgender and used “she/her” pronouns on a public YouTube account featuring the transgender flag, allegedly killed seven children and injured at least 25 others at the school on Tuesday, February 10. The attack also claimed the lives of his mother and another family member at a residential property, believed to be connected to the school shooting, bringing the total death toll to 10, including the shooter.

Russell G. Strang, Jesse’s uncle, confirmed to Juno News that Jesse was responsible for the killings and described the tragic circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities reported that eight people were found dead at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, six on-site and one en route to the hospital. Two additional fatalities occurred at a separate residence. Police have not yet confirmed all details publicly.

A student present during the shooting, Darian Quist, recounted the chaos in the school to CBC Radio West. Darian explained that his mechanics class went into lockdown when the alarm sounded around 1:30 p.m. He described barricading the classroom door with fellow students and receiving disturbing photos of the shooting scene, which included graphic images of blood.

Darian’s mother, Shelley Quist, described a “rollercoaster of emotions” as she stayed on the phone with her son while he was trapped in the classroom. After the lockdown ended and students were escorted out by police, she was able to reunite safely with him.

Social media posts from Jesse’s family included birthday photos from 2021, shared by grandparents, which were widely circulated online in the aftermath of the attack.

Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, and the Tumbler Ridge community remains in shock after this devastating tragedy that has left multiple families grieving and a town of about 2,400 residents in mourning.