Canada Unites in Grief: Honoring Tumbler Ridge Tragedy Victims

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and national leaders attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, to honor victims of a mass shooting. The attacker, Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed eight people, including herself. Authorities face scrutiny over firearm returns to the suspect's residence prior to the incident.

In a moment of national mourning, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with opposition leaders, attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Friday evening. The vigil was held for the victims of one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.

Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old with a history of mental health issues, killed her mother and stepbrother before attacking a school and killing a teacher and five students. Van Rootselaar's actions ended in her own suicide, leaving a community in shock and prompting questions about firearms regulations.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police detailed that Van Rootselaar had once had her guns seized, but they were returned after a successful appeal. The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights criticized this decision, intensifying debate on gun control laws. Victims' families sought privacy as grief enveloped the small town.

(With inputs from agencies.)