ZAMBIAN PASTOR MOURNS SON KILLED IN DEADLY CANADA SHOOTING

A Zambian pastor based in Canada is mourning the tragic death of his 12-year-old son following a mass shooting in the rural community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), eight people were killed in the attack, which began Tuesday afternoon after officers received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Police said the suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was later found dead at the school from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities reported that six victims were killed at the school and at least 25 others injured, while two additional victims the suspect’s mother and stepbrother were discovered dead at a nearby residence. Investigators indicated that the incident at the residence occurred before the suspect proceeded to the school. The motive for the attack has not yet been established.

Among the victims was 12-year-old Abel J., the son of Zambian pastor Abel Mwansa, who relocated to Canada with his family two years ago. In an emotional social media tribute, the grieving father described his son as respectful, hardworking, and devoted to his faith, saying the loss has left the family devastated.

Authorities noted that police officers responded within minutes of receiving the emergency call, a response officials say helped prevent further casualties. Meanwhile, the small community of about 2,400 residents continues to mourn what officials have described as one of the deadliest gun attacks in the country’s recent history.