The individual alleged to be the shooter in the
deadly attack 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.
Juno News spoke directly with Russell G. Strang, Jesse Strang’s uncle, who confirmed Jesse was transgender and responsible for the shooting that left 10 people dead, including the suspect. A public YouTube account believed to be owned by Jesse features the transgender flag and uses “she/her” pronouns.
When contacted for comment, Strang confirmed he was Jesse’s uncle and Jennifer Strang’s brother. Jennifer is believed to be one of the two deceased victims found by the RCMP at a residence suspected of being connected to the incident.
The RCMP has not yet publicly released the shooter’s identity.
Police have only confirmed the “original suspect,” described in an active shooter alert as a “female in a dress with brown hair,” was found dead and that the investigation remains ongoing.
According to the RCMP, six victims were found dead inside the school, one died en route to the hospital, and two others were discovered dead at a residence believed to be connected to the suspect. The shooter died from what police described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No details about the identities of the victims have been officially confirmed.
Juno News reviewed social media and online accounts connected to Jesse Strang following confirmation from his uncle.
In a Facebook post dated July 6, 2021, Jennifer Strang promoted her son’s YouTube channel, writing:
“Check out my oldest son Jesse Strang YouTube channel. He posts about hunting, self reliance, guns and stuff he likes to do. Subscribe and you’ll get notifications when he posts new videos. he doesn’t go on much other social media so this is his way of sharing his life,” the post reads.
The YouTube account was created on Nov. 25, 2018, originally under the name “jesseboy347 strang,” but was later renamed “JessJessUwU.” The updated profile listed the pronouns she/her, indicating that Jesse Strang later identified as transgender.
The profile image is an anime-style figure overlaid on a transgender pride flag alongside an SKS rifle.
The channel contained only one public post, uploaded about six months ago, which read: “I’ve been pretty um, aimless.”
An emergency alert was issued Tuesday afternoon instructing residents in Tumbler Ridge, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and surrounding areas to shelter in place as RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter at the school.
Early alerts described a suspect as a woman with brown hair, wearing a dress. Investigators have not confirmed if that description referred to Jesse Strang or whether any additional suspects may have been involved.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark told CBC News that police were not prepared to release details about the suspect’s identity.
“I don’t have any details on the identity or the age or any of that information of the suspect at this time,” Clark said.
MLA for Peace River South Larry Neufeld and B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger both issued statements urging residents to follow police instructions as the investigation continues.
This story is developing and will be updated at the top of the story if any new or conflicting information is uncovered.
If you were affected by this tragedy or have information about it, you can reach Juno News’ secure and confidential tip line at (587) 332-5222
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