Federal officials have confirmed that the Prime Minister will make a near-term visit to Tumbler Ridge, a remote town in British Columbia, after one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent Canadian history left nine people dead.
Police have identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. Authorities said Van Rootselaar, who had experienced mental health problems, killed her mother and stepbrother on Tuesday before going to the local school where she shot a teacher and five young students. Police say Van Rootselaar, who was born male but began identifying as a woman six years ago, then died by suicide.
In a brief statement, the Prime Minister's office said the leader would be visiting Tumbler Ridge "shortly in support of the community" and that officials were "working closely with the community and local authorities to finalize details based on their own immediate needs." The statement provided no additional details about timing or the schedule for the visit.
Tumbler Ridge, a town of about 2,400 people in the Canadian Rockies, has been marked by public grief. Unofficial memorials across the town display flowers and stuffed animals left by residents and visitors.
"Hold your kids tight, tell them you love them every day. You never know," said Lance Young, the father of 12-year-old victim Kylie Smith, speaking to reporters on Wednesday.
Police said they have not yet determined a motive for the killings and have been working with provincial officials. Local provincial legislator Larry Neufeld told CBC News on Thursday that authorities "are working very hard - they recognize the public does need to hear information to fill that vacuum."
Officials disclosed that police had several prior contacts with Van Rootselaar's household to address mental health concerns and that on two occasions she had been taken away for formal assessments. British Columbia's premier, David Eby, said on Wednesday that he had contacted local health officials to request more details of those interactions.
At one stage, police seized firearms from the residence, but the weapons were returned after the owner - who police did not identify - successfully appealed the seizure.
British Columbia observed an official day of mourning on Thursday. The provincial lieutenant-governor, Wendy Cocchia, who serves as the personal representative of King Charles in the province, is scheduled to deliver a speech in the legislature honoring the victims.
As authorities continue their work in Tumbler Ridge, federal and provincial officials have indicated they will coordinate closely with local leaders to address the immediate needs of the community while investigations proceed.