Advocacy groups calling on RCMP to release more information on guns used in Tumbler Ridge mass shooting

British ColumbiaGun control advocacy groups renewed their calls this week for the RCMP to release more information about the firearms used in the Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shooting that left eight people dead in February. PolySeSouvient and Danforth Families for Safe Communities say it's been 100 days since the tragedy, with important questions remaining unanswered, including the types of gun used and how the shooter obtained them.100 days since the Tumbler Ridge shooting, gun control groups say RCMP ought to release more informationTom Summer · CBC News · Posted: May 21, 2026 6:58 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 5 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Hundreds gathered to leave candles, flowers and other items for a vigil held in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Feb. 13, 2026. (Tom Summer/CBC) Gun control advocacy groups renewed their calls this week for the RCMP to release more information about the firearms used in February's mass killing in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in which eight people were killed and two more were sent to hospital.PolySeSouvient and Danforth Families for Safe Communities say it's been 100 days since the tragedy and important questions remain unanswered, including the types of guns used and how the shooter obtained them.  What kind of firearms were used in Tumbler Ridge shooting? Gun control groups urge transparency from RCMPKen Price, a spokesperson with Danforth for Safe Communities, said police have been slow to offer facts publicly, with unverified information about the shooting still circulating on social media. "My biggest fear is that a lot of this stuff gets filled in," he said. "If you don't have authorities speaking quickly and factually about what they've discovered, people draw their own conclusions."Both groups say the lack of information by police is leaving the public in the dark and prevents an informed debate about Canada's gun control laws and enforcement. CBC News is part of a consortium of media outlets taking legal action to obtain information about the guns used in the mass shooting and firearms seized from the home of shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar.What we know about the teenager behind the Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shootingHeidi Rathjen is a coordinator for PolySeSouvient and was a student at l'Ecole Polytechnique during the 1989 massacre in Montreal.She says basic information about what happened in Tumbler Ridge should be disclosed by RCMP, including why guns were returned to the family's home with an individual experiencing mental health issues. "When it comes to saving lives, there is no time to wait when information will not compromise any investigation, but it will inform the political debate about what to do," said Rathjen. A purple heart with a message was laid at the memorial site outside the town's community centre by outgoing Governor General Mary Simon during a recent visit to Tumbler Ridge on April 27, 2026. (Tom Summer/CBC)RCMP previously said there was a history of police attendance at the shooter's family residence, with some calls related to mental health issues. In one instance, Van Rootselaar was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital for assessment.RCMP also said Van Rootselaar had a firearms licence which expired in 2024, and firearms were seized two years ago from the family home under the Criminal Code, but later returned after being petitioned for by the lawful owner. NewsletterSubscribe to the Fort St. John Weekly newsletter"In this case, somebody, fell through the cracks. And we need to know how that happened," said Rathjen. Two additional firearms were seized from the residence for priority assessment, with the firearm used in the deaths at the family home not previously known to police, according to RCMP. Van Rootselaar shot her mother and half-brother before killing five students and an educational assistant at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. She then killed herself. "All firearms remain part of an active criminal investigation, including tracing ownership and origin," wrote B.C. RCMP spokesperson Staff Sgt. Kris Clark by email. Clark said RCMP provided information regarding the firearms used within a day of the shooting. Previously, RCMP shared that they were investigating four firearms — two retrieved from the shooter's home and two from the school, one of which was an unregistered shotgun and another was a modified rifle."We are mindful of other independent processes underway and will therefore limit our comments accordingly," he wrote. More stories from Northern B.C."The B.C. RCMP remains committed to providing answers where and when we can, and we appreciate the public’s patience as verified, official information becomes available."Clark added he's aware of PolySeSouvient's position, but urged caution when comparing the Tumbler Ridge investigation to other events in Canada and internationally. "Even within Canada, legislation can impact what information may be disclosed in situations that might otherwise appear similar," he said. Minister of Public Safety Nina Krieger says the RCMP investigation is in its final stages, but said she understands the desire for answers. "The integrity of the police investigation is so essential," she said. "Ultimately, it is through that investigation that accountability will be ensured and rushing that investigation will not support that function." A heart with supporting hands on each side, one of many pieces of art created in support of the victims of the Feb. 10, 2026, mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge. (Tom Summer/CBC)Families of the Tumbler Ridge shooting victims are suing OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, after it was revealed the shooter's account was banned for allegedly planning violent scenarios before the attack. Families of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shooting victims suing OpenAI in CaliforniaRathjen says police knew there were problems in the household even without red flags raised by the shooter's internet activity. "I think in this case, it's secondary," she said. "It's very convenient for the government to focus on something that's outside of their purview right now." Subscribe to CBC’s Fort St. John Weekly for a round-up of the best news and stories from B.C.’s Peace and Northern Rockies.ABOUT THE AUTHORTom Summer is a reporter for CBC News in Fort St. John. Born and raised in the Peace Country, he previously reported for the Alaska Highway News, covering community issues, courts, municipal politics, and Site C, while travelling across Northeast B.C. working on the traditional territory of Treaty 8 First Nations. You can reach him at tom.summer@cbc.caWith files from Wildinette Paul, Katie De Rosa and Jason Proctor