“They weren’t just warning signs — they were cries scattered across the internet.” In the aftermath of the devastating events at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, online posts attributed to 18-year-old former student Jesse Van Rootselaar have surfaced, revealing years of personal struggles shared publicly. According to reports, the posts included discussions about gender transition, body image insecurities, and mental health concerns. In one forum entry, the teenager questioned whether their physical build aligned with long-term transition goals. Authorities are continuing to investigate the broader context surrounding the tragedy, including digital footprints and possible warning indicators. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation as the case remains under active review. For the small British Columbia community, the focus remains on those lost and the families now navigating unimaginable grief. This story is no longer just about posts or profiles. It is about understanding how warning signs are recognised — and whether they can ever be addressed in time.

Canadian school shooter revealed as 18-year-old woman with mental health issues

The transgender high school dropout who slaughtered his mom and stepbrother before gunning down six others at his former school in Canada had whined online about his 6-foot-tall frame making it impossible to live out his dream as a “petite” woman.

Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, aired his grievances about transitioning as well as his obsession with guns in a series of online posts in the years before unleashing hell at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday, the Telegraph reported.

“Do I have a good build type for HRT [hormone replacement therapy]?” Van Rootselaar wrote in a since-deleted post on a trans community forum.

“Any advice is appreciated, should I put on weight or anything? Work out?”

In one post from March 2020, Van Rootselaar, who described himself as “MtF” (male-to-female) wrote: “I’m pre-HRT 15yo, I’m super skinny, so that sometimes makes me feel kinda good!”

“But I’m Pre-HRT and my expectations are minimal for chest growth, and I’m 6ft tall! Why can’t I be petit an [sic] smol [small]?”

The posts surfaced after Canadian cops indicated it was too early to determine if there was any link between Van Rootselaar identifying as trans and Tuesday’s mass shooting in the small mountain community of Tumbler Ridge.

Van Rootselaar, who authorities said started transitioning roughly six years ago, had a history of police visits to his home amid concerns for his mental health over the years.

Police are still probing a motive for the horrifying attack that started when Van Rootselaar killed his 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Strang, and his 11-year-old stepbrother in their home before killing six people at his old high school.

The shooter was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted wound in the wake of the rampage, authorities said.