B.C. Daily Digest — Feb 13, 2026

Heartbreaking bravery: Two small-town RCMP officers ran into gunfire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School within 120 seconds of a call on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 — the local detachment has only five members. Eight people were killed (including five students and an education assistant) and more than a dozen paramedics plus air resources responded; RCMP have opened an online portal for evidence collection.

Don’t scapegoat a whole community: After the shooting, groups warn that misinformation is being spread about trans people — the shooter was identified as 18-year-old Jesse VanRootselaar, who began publicly transitioning years ago, but authorities say there’s no evidence gender identity explains the crime. Advocacy groups and B.C. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender are urging people to focus on grief and facts, not hateful narratives.

Guns and intent: RCMP say four firearms were seized — two at the school and two at the shooter’s home — and the main weapon’s origin is unknown; a shotgun recovered was unregistered. Dep. Comm. Dwayne McDonald said the suspect was "hunting," victims included five students and an education assistant, autopsies were expected by the weekend and investigators have interviewed more than 80 people.

A wolf, a collar and a culture clash: Gitxsan First Nation objected after video showed a collared “Judas” wolf on their land, opposing B.C.’s decade-long wolf cull aimed at protecting caribou. The Gitxsan asked Minister Randene Neill to confirm no predator-control is authorized on their territory; a UBC study and environmental groups are also questioning the program’s effectiveness.

Platforms remove accounts tied to shooter: YouTube and Roblox say they deleted a channel and a user account linked to the alleged shooter; Roblox removed the account on Feb. 11, 2026 and said the related “experience” had seven visits. Platforms say they’re helping investigators as calls grow for stronger online-safety rules and debates continue about age limits and the Online Harms Act.

Guilty plea in alleged overseas plot: Nikhil Gupta, 54, pleaded guilty in Manhattan to murder-for-hire and related charges for plotting to kill Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun; prosecutors say Gupta paid $15,000 to an undercover officer and may face about 20–24 years in prison. Authorities say the plot involved an Indian official, Vikash Yadav, who faces the same charges but is not in U.S. custody; sentencing is set for May 29.

Questions about seizures and red-flag rules: Reporting shows the Tumbler Ridge shooter’s firearms had been seized years ago and later returned after a court petition; officials say the shooter’s licence expired in 2024 and some weapons were never registered. The story is prompting scrutiny of Criminal Code Section 117.04 and Bill C-21’s “red flag” process (emergency orders of up to 30 days, longer prohibitions up to five years) and how judges decide returns.

Hard-won advice from Portapique survivors: Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, who lost relatives in the 2020 Portapique massacre (April 18–19, 2020), sent condolences and practical advice to Tumbler Ridge families — lean on loved ones, seek counselling, and give space to grieve. Nova Scotia helpers warn the community support needs to continue long after the vigils and funerals.

Oyster recall in B.C.: Stellar Bay Shellfish recalled oysters mostly distributed in British Columbia over possible norovirus contamination; officials say not to eat or sell them and that no illnesses have been reported so far.

National leaders at the vigil: On Feb. 13, 2026 Prime Minister Mark Carney, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and party leaders joined a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, reading victims’ names and promising support to the town of about 2,500 people. B.C. Premier David Eby vowed students won’t be forced back to the school, and MPs are signing a book of condolences to be delivered after Feb. 17.