Transgender Canadian school shooter who slaughtered 8, including mom and stepbrother, seen holding rifle in eerie photo

A Canadian mother who was later killed by her son during a mass shooting had previously spoken out online in support of transgender rights and against hateful rhetoric.

Jennifer Strang, 39, the mother of 18-year-old Jesse Van Rotselaar, shared a strongly worded Instagram post in July 2024 in which she criticized online hostility toward transgender people. In the post, Strang, who described herself as a “conservative-leaning libertarian,” urged people to be more compassionate and warned that hateful comments can contribute to serious mental health struggles for young people.

She wrote that she hoped the negativity she saw online did not reflect genuine hatred and encouraged others to “do better” and educate themselves before posting harmful remarks. Strang also expressed concern about the emotional impact such hostility can have on children and teenagers.

On Tuesday afternoon, Van Rotselaar carried out a shooting that began at a private residence in the rural community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, before continuing at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities said he later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police reported that eight people were killed in the incident, including Strang and her 11-year-old stepson at the residence. Six others were found deceased at the school. The victims at the school included a teacher and several students.

Approximately 25 others were injured, most of whom were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital, though a few sustained more serious injuries.

Officials have described the tragedy as one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.