Canadian police have confirmed the "gunperson" who conducted a mass shooting in British Columbia was born as a biological male.
Deputy commissioner Dwayne McDonald named 18-year-old Jesse van Rootselaar as the suspect, adding the teenager died from a self-inflicted injury.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said eight were killed, along with the shooter, at a secondary school during the mass shooting in the rural community of Tumbler Ridge.
During the horrific tragedy, more than 25 others were injured, with the suspect's body - who was initially described as a "female in a dress with brown hair", discovered at the scene as well.
However, during a press conference tonight, Mr McDonald was asked if the shooter was transgender.
He said: "I can say that Jesse was born as a biological male who approximately six years ago began to transition to female."
Rootselaar, who went on a rampage in the school, "identified as female, both socially and publicly", the officer added.
In a previous briefing, the superintendent referred to the suspect as a "gunperson in a dress" - and did not give any further clarification about the identity of the shooter.
Deputy commissioner Dwayne McDonald gave a press conference today
|REUTERS
The killer murdered one teacher, as well as three female students and two male students - all between the ages of 13 and 17.
Two more were found dead in another local residence, who were identified as an adult woman and a male youth - Rootselaar's mother and stepbrother.
The 18-year-old biological male had a previous history of mental health contact, with several checks made in recent years, Mr McDonald revealed.
He added the "gunperson" was apprehended on separate occasions for assessment under the Mental Health Act. Some engagement with the police covered matters regarding weapons.
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Two guns were recovered from Tumbler Ridge Secondary School
|REUTERS
Two years ago, firearms were seized from Rootselaar's home - which were returned by police following a petition for their return.
When asked if the ex-student had a gun licence, he said: "I believe she had a licence which had expired in 2024, she did not have any firearms registered to her."
A long gun and a modified handgun were recovered from the scene of the rampage.
On Tuesday, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) descended on Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in the rural part of British Columbia, in the west on Tuesday afternoon local time.
Rootselaar - who was a former pupil at the school - was described as "the quiet kid in the corner" and was always found alone, ex-students have said.
Local Canadian outlet Juno News previously reported the paper had spoken to the suspect's uncle, Russell, who said the "gunperson" was his sister's child.
One of those injured was also identified as 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who is now fighting for her life in hospital, the Daily Mail has said.
Her mother told the paper her daughter had been shot in the head and neck and airlifted to Vancouver Children's Hospital.
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