‘They don’t stand alone’: P.E.I. community gathers to support Tumbler Ridge shooting victims

A piece of wood carved with "TR" and the names of victims on it is shown at a vigil for the victims of a mass shooting, in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

A small community on Prince Edward Island gathered Friday night in a show of support for those impacted by the Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shooting earlier this month.

Murray Harbour residents, including students from Southern Kings Consolidated School in Montague, joined together for a candlelight vigil in honour of the victims.

“We just felt a real tug at our hearts to let that community know that they don’t stand alone,” said Natalie Edgar, who helped plan the event.

On Feb. 10, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar shot and killed eight people before killing herself. The victims included six at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School – five students and a teacher’s aide – as well as her mother and half-brother.

Two other students ended up in hospital with serious injuries, though one has since returned home.

“Our community was really hurting for the families and friends and the community itself for what they had to endure. We’re all just putting ourselves in that situation and empathizing with how horrendous it would be,” she said.

During Friday’s vigil, students lit candles to honour each of the victims. Edgar said Anne Hawkins, a teacher in the community, held a light in honour of the educator who was killed.

Edgar said they wanted the community of Tumbler Ridge to know there is support from coast to coast.

“I think everybody across the country felt the pain, the shock, the anger that something like this happened, that it can happen here in Canada where we all feel safe from these things happening. Usually, you hear about it in the States, but not here,” Edgar told CTV News.

Despite the cold conditions, she estimates around 100 people showed up to show their support, say prayers, and stand in solidarity.

Edgar acknowledged the event could not have happened without several community members, including Lonnie Atkinson who emceed, as well as Carol White. Deputy mayor Gary MacKay was also in attendance to represent Murray Harbour.

She also noted pastor Larry Siebrand incorporated a heartfelt prayer into the vigil.

With files from The Canadian Press

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